3 takeaways from the first U.S. Senate debate between Democrats John Hickenlooper and Andrew Romanoff

The rivals in Colorado’s Democratic primary will meet for two more debates in a week’s span as the race hits a crucial moment ahead of June 30 election

John Hickenlooper and Andrew Romanoff outlined their differences in a virtual debate in the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate, moderated by Kyle Clark of 9News on June 9, 2020.
John Hickenlooper and Andrew Romanoff outlined their differences in a virtual debate in the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate, moderated by Kyle Clark of 9News on June 9, 2020. (Screenshot)

John Hickenlooper touted his record as governor and ability to find compromise, and his rival Andrew Romanoff called for bolder action to address racial injustice, health care and climate change in the first Democratic U.S. Senate primary debate.

The differences in style and substance between the candidates became clear from the start of the 30-minute virtual event hosted Tuesday by 9News. Romanoff took an aggressive approach and staked out progressive stances while Hickenlooper played defense and answered for the state ethics commission’s verdict Friday that he violated Colorado law.

The debate unfolded at a crucial point as Democratic and unaffiliated voters begin to receive mail ballots this week ahead of the June 30 primary, and the candidates prepare for two more debates in a week’s span.

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