The three Republican candidates who want to challenge Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine for his Senate seat in November debated at Liberty University Thursday.
Del. Nick Freitas (R-Va.) split from former GOP gubernatorial candidate Corey Stewart and prominent Virginia Republican E.W. Jackson on decriminalizing marijuana at the federal level, ending foreign wars and reforming civil asset forfeiture, while pushing for limited government and free economics.
Freitas is a 38-year-old U.S. Army veteran who served two tours in Iraq and was elected to Virginia’s House of Delegates for the 30th District in 2015.
“Men and women in Congress need to have an ounce of courage the men and women in uniform have when making foreign policy decisions,” he said.
Freitas also praised Trump’s strength in dealing with foreign leaders.
“Donald Trump has gone a long way in ensuring that when dealing with foreign leaders. They understand that we mean what we say, and we keep our promises,” he said.
Stewart, on the other hand, focused on his similarities to President Donald Trump, slamming Facebook for accusations that the platform has censored conservatives, growing the economy, and slamming establishment Republicans for not standing up to the Democratic Party.
“Together, we will fight, we will WIN, and we will CRUSH Tim Kaine,” Stewart said.
Meanwhile, Jackson focused defeating Kaine and did not spend much time attacking his Republican opponents.
“Tim Kaine won’t vote for Pompeo as Sec. of State, but voted for him to head CIA? Pompeo is leading negotiations with NK, and Kaine is playing political games. Unpatriotic! Disgraceful! Fire Tim Kaine!” Jackson tweeted Friday morning after the debate.
Addyson Garner, president of Liberty University’s Young Americans for Liberty (YAL) chapter, was pleased with Freitas’ performance during the debate.
“The candidates showed their true colors in the debate last night,” Garner said. “While Corey was caught up in partisan rhetoric and defending past mistakes, Freitas laid out a great plan for how he could improve Virginia if elected to the Senate.”
“It was very clear in the debate that Corey Stewart has a much smaller group of voters that can rally behind him. Where Corey appeals to hardline Republicans, Nick can appeal to the independent and libertarian wings of the party as well. He doesn’t alienate voters. Nick is an excellent speaker, but beyond that, he’s also firmly grounded in constitutional principles. When I look for a candidate to support, I look for the person most likely to support limited government and personal freedom. That’s why I’m voting for Nick Freitas.”
Freitas has been endorsed by Republican Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul.
“Nick Freitas is the real deal and I urge liberty conservatives and those who believe in the constitution and limited government to rally to his cause and campaign,” Paul’s endorsement said. “Through his involvement in politics and as delegate, Nick has stood firm to principles while showing he is willing to work hard and fight for what he believes in.”
Stewart, on the other hand, has been endorsed by Liberty University president Jerry Falwell Jr., one of the first of many notable evangelical leaders to endorse President Trump during his 2016 campaign.
Freitas said he was proud of his performance, citing a “clear difference” between the three candidates.
“Last night’s debate demonstrated a clear difference in this race,” Freitas said. “This race is about having a voting record of principle and having the ability to explain those principles in a way that resonates with people. We are not going to win in November by being vicious and ruthless as some have suggested. We are going to win by inspiring people with our ideas.”
The Republican primary for the U.S. Senate election in Virginia is scheduled for June 12, while the general election is planned for Nov. 6.