Candidates for Senate make their stances on abortion clear during debate, rally

 

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Saturday marks one month until the midterm elections, and candidates are still making their push to gain your vote. Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Mandela Barnes held a rally on Saturday focusing on reproductive health, one of the major issues this election cycle.

Since GOP Senator Ron Johnson and Barnes are on opposite sides of the issue, there is some uncertainty surrounding the future of reproductive health. Some say, that's enough motivation to get voters to the polls.

During Friday's Senate Debate, both senate candidates responded to panelist Montse Ricossa's question of what they believe should be done on a federal level in response to the overturning of Roe vs. Wade.

Senator Johnson said, "This has been a divisive issue for 50 years, that's why I supported the overturning of Roe v. Wade and turning it back to the states so that we the people can make that decision." Meanwhile, Barnes said, "if I were in the U.S. Senate, I would absolutely vote to codify Roe v. Wade to protect the right to an abortion, put it into law and protect women's rights."

A recent Marquette Law School poll shows that 61 percent of Wisconsinites opposed Roe being overturned. 

During Saturday's rally, Ron Against Roe, we heard many voters express their concerns with the 1849 abortion law, and their motivating factors to elect someone they feel is right for Wisconsin.

Mequon resident Julie Littman is part of 'Moms for Barnes' and brought one of her sons to the rally. She said, "I can't even believe we're saying this. I'm 55 years old, I have three kids that are grown up and I never thought we'd be going backward into the day we didn't have the choice. I thought my kids were going to be moving forward in this world."

Also speaking at the rally was President of Planned Parenthood Action Fund Alexis McGill Johnson and Congresswoman Gwen Moore.

The race between Johnson and Barnes could determine which party takes control of the U.S. Senate.

If you missed the senatorial debate and still want to watch it, you can click here. It will re-broadcast Sunday at 7:30 a.m. on WMLW and in Spanish on Telemundo at the same time.

You can also find all of the answers and more information on candidates' answers during the debate by clicking here.

Next Friday Oct. 14, the Wisconsin Broadcaster's Association is hosting the one and only debate between the two candidates for governor, Tony Evers and Tim Michels. That'll be at 7 p.m., and you can watch it on CBS58.