Question Causes Democrats To Freeze In His Tracks
In a recent debate for New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District, Rep. Tom Kean Jr. (R-N.J.) faced tough questions about his stance on immigration, specifically regarding the contentious issue of mass deportations. The debate, held on Sunday, featured Kean and his Democratic opponent, Sue Altman, and was moderated by Micah Rasmussen, the director of the Rebovich Institute for New Jersey Politics.
When pressed on whether he supports mass deportations, a policy previously championed by former President Trump, Kean refrained from providing a direct answer. Instead, he highlighted the surge of undocumented migrants entering the U.S. over recent years, suggesting that the situation would have been significantly better had the Trump administration’s “Remain in Mexico” policy remained in effect. This policy mandated that migrants stay in Mexico while awaiting their court hearings, a measure that Kean argues contributed to border security.
Kean emphasized that prioritizing the deportation of individuals with criminal backgrounds is essential, stating, “We need to ensure that we have the people who can be leaders to find common ground and secure our southern border.” He criticized Altman’s position, claiming it was extreme to allow unrestricted illegal crossings without checks.
Altman, however, challenged Kean, asserting that he was dodging the question regarding mass deportations. After a prolonged silence of eight seconds, Kean still did not respond directly. Altman capitalized on this moment, referencing past occasions where Kean avoided questions from the press, framing it as a lack of transparency.
Despite the tension, Kean reiterated that focusing on those who have committed crimes is where immigration policy should begin. He clarified his longstanding policy of not engaging in hallway interviews to prioritize his time with constituents.
The race for the 7th District is particularly noteworthy, as it stands out in a predominantly blue state. Current forecasts indicate a slight edge for Republicans, making Kean’s responses on immigration a crucial aspect of his campaign strategy. The outcome could hinge on how well he navigates the complexities of immigration policy in a polarized political climate.
