JEFFERSON (WKOW) -- A rowdy crowd turned out for the first debate between Republican state Senator Scott Fitzgerald and his Democratic recall opponent, Lori Compas.
The 13th District candidates have been going back and forth in the media for weeks and hundreds made their way to Jefferson High School to hear them face off Wednesday.
They discussed a number of topics including jobs, collective bargaining rights, taxes, education and the recall itself.
There were a number of heated exchanges between the candidates. While Compas was often quizzed on future plans if elected, Fitzgerald had to answer questions about past decisions.
"And we said, you know what? We can't continue to prop up this one sector of Wisconsinites that have not lost their jobs, have full benefits, both health and pension," said the Republican Senate majority leader. Fitzgerald continued to Compas, "So if you're hearing from the same people that are really hurting out there I can't believe you wouldn't support Act 10 or the reforms we put in place."
Compas responded by saying, "This is another example of this 'divide and conquer' strategy. You are turning neighbor against neighbor."
Compas also got the chance to explain why she thinks this recall election is necessary.
"We need to watch our leaders and hold them accountable and this right is protected in our Constitution. What we're seeing here is a pattern of abuse of power and betrayal of trust, the Senator broke the Open Meetings Law," Compas said.
Fitzgerald defended his actions. "That meeting, that evening in the Senate parlor is probably the most watched public meeting that has ever happened in the history of the state of Wisconsin. The idea that was somehow done in secret is absolutely ridiculous," Fitzgerald said.
Fitzgerald is a 17-year incumbent in this race. Lori Compas is a small business owner and mother from Fort Atkinson who led the recall effort against Fitzgerald.
The recall election will take place on Tuesday, June 5.
********
JEFFERSON (WKOW) -- Republican Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald and Democratic challenger Lori Compas are set to debate Wednesday.
This will be the first time the 13th district recall candidates face off. The debate will begin at 8:00 p.m. at Jefferson High School.
They're expected to talk about jobs, education and women's issues.
Danielle Lama will have live reports on 27 News at 6 and 10 about the debate.
