By PAULA TRACY, InDepthNH.org

MANCHESTER – What is believed to likely be a close primary race between Colin Van Ostern of Concord and Maggie Goodlander of Nashua for the Democratic nomination for the Second Congressional District turned into a learning session for a half hour debate on WMUR-TV Thursday night.

The two are vying to replace Congresswoman Ann McLane Kuster, D-NH of Hopkinton who decided to not run for another term.

But many had not seen or really heard from the candidates, other than their advertisements or those promoted by their supporters.

The half hour debate by the television station provided an opportunity to hear and listen to their views and differences for the first time for many.

Kuster quickly endorsed Van Ostern, a former Executive Councilor who worked previously for Kuster, for the nomination. Goodlander, a lawyer who formerly worked in the Biden administration’s Justice Department is the spouse of Biden’s National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan.

Congressional District 2 is considered a stronghold for Democrats but there are 13 Republicans looking to win the nomination and vie for the seat to run against either Goodlander or Van Ostern. 

The top three Republicans, who qualified for the WMUR debate, got a chance to debate the half hour before the two Democrats took the stage Thursday night.

While political ads have focused on the negatives and who is the “carpetbagger,” Goodlander and Van Ostern were first asked about inflation and grocery store issues.

Van Ostern said the nation should have been pushing harder and longer for inflation to be reduced. He said the nation needs to make sure that the government is working for the people.

Goodlander said she has learned about the power of Congress and antitrust consumer protection laws from her experience and said things could be done to reduce those costs through consumer protection.

They were also asked about illegal border crossings and the northern border with New Hampshire and Canada.

Goodlander said more should be done for border security control and said the laws are outdated.

Van Ostern said if you look at the New Hampshire border there have been zero arrests.

“Let’s not pretend there is a crisis,” he said. He said comprehensive reform is needed for all borders.

Asked about Israel and Hamas and whether the nation should withhold funding to Israel, Goodlander said the relationship cannot be defined by the person sitting in the office as President, Benjamin Netanyahu. 

“We are both democracies,” she said, and aid should be governed by agreements.

Van Ostern said he would not shut off aid for a country that is so impacted by terrorism.

“Israel has a right to defend itself,” and is an incredibly important partner, he said.

“We have to use every diplomatic tool we have,” and that should be the tool used to get peace.

Asked about former Gov. John Lynch’s retraction of an endorsement for Van Ostern, he said Lynch made an “error of judgment” just as Lynch made an error in choosing Kelly Ayotte as Attorney General. Ayotte is running for governor as a Republican.

Van Ostern said a “shady” out-of-state political action committee is responsible for advertising support for Goodlander.

She noted her supporters out-of-state include veterans and Emily’s List which supports abortion rights.

“I’m focused on you, the voter,” she said.

Asked about her investments and income and “undetermined” information filed in an election form, Goodlander said, “I have been fighting for transparency and accountability my entire career… Our campaign submitted the financial disclosure as required and on time and gone back and provided even more information.”

Van Ostern and Goodlander both support reproductive rights without political interference.

Goodlander said the gun industry has gone unchecked and it is time to change that.

Van Ostern said he is a gun owner but feels there is a need for red flag laws and other measures to protect people from violence.

He suggested repealing the Trump tax cuts, reducing the deficit and also be serious about tackling climate change.

Energy weatherization and conservation are critical, he added.

Goodlander said she hears about the high energy costs in New Hampshire.

And she said New Hampshire could be the epicenter of a clean energy economy.

“We know where the culprits lie,” she said, referring to big energy companies.