Democratic Senator Sheldon Whitehouse from Rhode Island is vying for a fourth term in the U.S. Senate this Tuesday.
Contesting against him is Patricia Morgan, a Republican state representative known for being the first female minority leader in the Rhode Island House. Financially, Whitehouse holds a significant edge, having raised nearly 25 times more than Morgan.
Throughout his tenure, Whitehouse has been a staunch advocate for initiatives aimed at addressing climate change. He has campaigned with pledges to safeguard Medicare and Social Security benefits. In recent discussions, he has pushed for reforms concerning the U.S. Supreme Court. Before his election to the Senate in 2006, Whitehouse served as both Rhode Island’s U.S. Attorney and state attorney general.
During a debate with Morgan, Whitehouse boasted that he and fellow Rhode Island representatives secured around $200 million in federal funding dedicated to the replacement of the Washington Bridge. “I believe this illustrates a Congressional delegation that is fulfilling its responsibilities,” he stated.
On the other hand, Morgan focuses her campaign on issues such as securing the U.S. border and completing a wall along the southern border with Mexico. She also expresses support for the Supreme Court’s decision that overturned Roe v. Wade. In the same debate, Morgan criticized Whitehouse’s proposal aimed at stabilizing Social Security funding through increased taxes on those earning above $400,000 a year, arguing that it would negatively impact the economy. Instead, she suggested reallocating funds from other programs, particularly climate initiatives.
“I will do everything in my power to bolster Social Security. My approach is to prioritize it,” she asserted. “We can’t continue to spend money on unnecessary projects.” In response, Whitehouse defended his tax strategy aimed at wealthier individuals, claiming it would safeguard both Medicare and Social Security.
“Our current tax system lacks fairness,” Whitehouse commented, highlighting the disparity that allows billionaires to pay lesser rates compared to school teachers.
Over his three terms, Whitehouse has been instrumental in drafting bipartisan legislation that allocates resources for local communities, healthcare professionals, and law enforcement agencies battling the opioid crisis and has consistently advocated for the Affordable Care Act.