Hochul Preps For Debate Vs. Collins

Kathy Hochul

* Democratic Rep. Kathy Hochul and Republican Chris Collins will trade barbs at the first debate of their Erie County congressional race next Tuesday on jobs and health care. Both issues should provide meaty fodder as the candidates are deadlocked at 47 percent, according to a recent Siena College poll, with less than a month before Election Day. Hochul’s team, who has sent her to meet with seniors and service members this week, isn’t worried about the polls. “It’s a positive sign for us,” said Hochul campaign spokesman Frank Thomas. “This is the most Republican district in the state of New York and Kathy is in a great position to win. The fact that she’s in a close race is a good sign.” Expect Hochul to emphasize President Barack Obama’s health care plan and Republican plans to repeal it – an issue that figured prominently in the presidential debate. “A lot of it is drawing a contrast between our plans on Medicare and social security,” Thomas said. “The Republicans have made attacks that Affordable Health Care Act cuts $716 billion in insurance reimbursements. Republicans have paid $1 million in attacks in health care. That has left people confused, and they want answers, and Kathy has tried to give it to them.” A call to Collins’s campaign office for comment was not returned.