Abdul El-Sayed, Haley Stevens trade jabs and push policies in U.S. Senate primary debate

Former public health official Abdul El-Sayed and Congresswoman Haley Stevens went head to head Tuesday night in a Grand Rapids debate as the August primary nears. The candidates took jabs at each other almost immediately, with both alleging lies at one point, as they seek to carry the Democratic party’s mantel for U.S. Senate. "We do not need a celebrity senator. We need a workhorse," Stevens said. Each candidate returned to attacks throughout the debate. "We also don't need politicians bought off by corporations," El-Sayed said. From El-Sayed's criticisms of Stevens taking money from corporations and the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), to her jabs at the lack of a financial disclosure from El-Sayed. "No one owns my vote and no one owns my policies," Stevens said. "Anyone who is contributing to my Senate campaign is doing so because of my proven record of fighting for Michigan." El-Sayed defended the lack of a disclosure by saying he's seeking an extension and that his family has international assets, which he wants to track correctly. "I took the same extension that the congresswoman took," he said. Affordability topped the debate, and it's a leading issue for El-Sayed, specifically with healthcare. "Number one: we need to tackle healthcare by guaranteeing everybody healthcare without a deductible, a premium, or a co-pay through Medicare for all," he said. "Number two: we need to stand up to the monopolies and oligopolies that are picking our pockets. Number three: we need to stand up for increased wages." Stevens noted legislation she’s worked on. "As your next United States senator, I will run through anyone and anything to lower costs," she said. "My no tariff on groceries bill, my bill to lower your utility bill. Look, I'm the only person running for United States senate in Michigan who is not a millionaire." READ MORE: https://upnorthlive.com/news/michigan... -------------------------------- For all of your news, weather and sports needs: http://www.upnorthlive.com Like us on Facebook:   / upnorthlive   Follow us on twitter: @upnorthlive.com Download our app, available for iPhone and Android! #traversecity #localnews #news #video #upnorthlive #michigan