In a Thursday morning debate hosted by the Montgomery Chamber of Commerce and WSFA 12 News, Republican Caroleene Dobson and Democrat Shomari Figures clashed over health care, the economy, and U.S. foreign policy now just over 30 days until the 2024 general election.
Dobson, a real estate lawyer and political newcomer, harped on the failures of Washington insiders and the prospect of her opponent following suit if elected. On each issue, Dobson related Figures to his time serving in the Obama and Biden administrations.
“We have a moral obligation as a nation founded on Godly principles to stand with Israel,” Dobson said of the Middle East, arguing that escalating tensions with Iran are a direct consequence of misguided policies. “My opponent served the flawed nuclear deal.”
Figures, son of longtime State Sen. Vivian Figures, contended that his experience in government will be a benefit in Congress – not a downside.
RELATED: Montgomery mayor Steven Reed endorses Shomari Figures
On policy issues, healthcare dominated the debate. Figures repeatedly advocated for Medicaid expansion as the answer to the district’s rural hospital closures. “Four hospitals [have closed] in this district,” Figures said. “The solution is to pass the incentive for the state of Alabama to expand Medicaid and finally provide health insurance for 350,000 people.”
Dobson, agreeing that rural healthcare access is critical, said failed economic policies of the Biden-Harris administration are driving up healthcare costs. “Part of the rising health care costs are directly attributable to inflation that has been caused by this administration’s reckless government spending,” she said.
The two also sparred over economic priorities. Dobson focused on what she sees as a lack of opportunity in the district due to federal overreach. “We have incredible resources, but our economy is struggling,” she said. “We need relief, and we need that quickly.”
Figures said he would seek appointments to the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and the Agriculture Committee given that both were key to securing federal investments for rural Alabama communities.
RELATED: Alabama Minority GOP endorses Caroleene Dobson for Congress
Dobson said she wanted a spot on the Appropriations Committee to bring funding to Alabama and on the Armed Services Committee to support local military bases.
All throughout the debate, Dobson coined Figures as a D.C. Insider. “My opponent has spent his entire adult career in Washington, D.C.,” she said. But Figures pushed back just as consistently, describing himself as deeply connected to Alabama and his family’s legacy of political service.
“Some may call it being a Washington insider, but what I call it is being the product of a state that has a history of needing government to force them to treat people right,” Figures said.
Grayson Everett is the state and political editor for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @Grayson270
