by George Jared (gjared@talkbusiness.net)

U.S. Rep. Bruce Westerman, R-Hot Springs, and his opponent Democrat Risie Howard of Pine Bluff agreed on some key issues but were diametrically opposed on others during their Fourth Congressional district, PBS Arkansas debate on Thursday (Oct. 10).

If elected, Howard said she would support and protect the Affordable Care Act, commonly referred to as Obamacare. About one in three Arkansans are on Medicaid and it was expanded through the act. If the act were repealed, something that former President Donald Trump has suggested if he’s re-elected, many would be without health insurance, she said.

Westerman said he wouldn’t vote to repeal the act, but the Medicaid expansion is driving up federal and state debts. He supports the Fair Care Act, legislation that fixes some of the problems with the act, but he didn’t give any specifics.

CD4 debate: Healthcare, economy, Middle East conflicts discussed

KUAR | By Josie Lenora

In Arkansas’ 4th Congressional District, Republican incumbent Rep. Bruce Westerman is running again to maintain control of the seat in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Westerman’s Democratic challenger is Risie Howard. Little Rock Public Radio emailed her and the state Democratic Party several times about an interview, and was sent a list of the same questions asked of Westerman. We received no response.

Howard is set to be at the Arkansas PBS debate with Westerman on October 10.

Howard is a lawyer in Pine Bluff, and is listed as being employed by the Arkansas Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. Her website says she is a former science teacher and that she knows a lot about naval law, but she doesn't seem to have much of a campaign or online presence.

Incumbent U.S. Rep. Westerman faces Democratic attorney challenger