Wisconsin U.S. Senate: Leah Vukmir, Tammy Baldwin clash on health care, Tomah VA in final debate

Republican Leah Vukmir charged that implementing a "Medicare-for-all" program backed by Democratic U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin would "create chaos of epic proportions."

"I can't believe Senator Baldwin wants to literally throw grandma off the cliff," Vukmir said during their debate Friday night at Marquette University Law School.

At a news conference after the hourlong clash, Baldwin was asked about the line that was similar to one used by Democrats against House Speaker Paul Ryan of Janesville.

"In some ways, it's really personal," said Baldwin, who was raised by her grandparents.

"As a young person, I remember learning more than a tween should know about Social Security and Medicare," she said.

The third and final debate of the U.S. Senate race, moderated by Mike Gousha of WISN-TV, covered familiar ground, including immigration, tariffs and the scandal at the Tomah Veterans Affairs Medical Center.

Down in the polls, Vukmir took the offensive against Baldwin, claiming the first-term senator has "forgotten the middle class."

"You spend more time with people in the Hamptons and California," Vukmir said, adding that Baldwin has received "$3 million from the taxpayers" during her years in elected office.

"You have forgotten the people back home," Vukmir added.

Baldwin once again sought to portray Vukmir as working for special interests.

"Leah Vukmir talks about her record as a nurse," Baldwin said. "She has voted with insurance companies time after time."

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For the first time in the debates, the candidates fielded questions on global issues.

Asked how the U.S. should respond to the death of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, whom the Saudis admitted was killed at their consulate in Turkey, Baldwin said there should be "serious" sanctions, including stopping arms sales.

"I believe we should be cracking down on Saudi Arabia because of their proxy war in Yemen," she said.

"It's barbaric. It's horrible," Vukmir said, adding, "Yes, we must have sanctions."

Asked how long U.S. troops should be kept in Afghanistan, Vukmir, whose son is in the military, said it is in the national interest to maintain a presence in places "where terrorists are planning and plotting." She said the war in Afghanistan, which followed the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, was not "an optional war."

Baldwin said, "I believe our troops should come home. Afghans should take responsibility for their own future."

Health care was a particular flashpoint in the debate. But there was some humor, too, when Baldwin coughed and said, "Excuse my pre-existing condition here."

Vukmir responded: "Do you need a nurse? I'm here for you."

Vukmir reaffirmed her push to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act and pledged to cover people with pre-existing medical conditions.

"Leah Vukmir's idea is she would have been the deciding vote (on health care), we would move backwards, to the bad old days," Baldwin said.

Vukmir ripped into Medicare for all and asked Baldwin, "How will you pay for this $32 trillion takeover of health care? ... She has no plan to pay for it."

"The transition between the patchwork we have now and Medicare for all would be gradual," Baldwin said.

On Social Security, Baldwin said with pensions in jeopardy, the program should not be weakened. Vukmir said, "We have to have a national discussion" on Social Security. "You know what, young people are already talking about it."

On immigration, Vukmir charged that "Senator Baldwin wants open borders."

"That's nonsense," said Baldwin. "Leah is lying again."

Each candidate claimed the other one was playing politics on the scandal at the Tomah VA, where vets were overprescribed powerful painkillers. Vukmir accused Baldwin of sitting on a report and then offering "hush money" to a staffer who was fired.

"Those are lies," Baldwin said, adding that Vukmir should be "ashamed of using the death of a Marine veteran for her own personal gain."

The family of U.S. Marine veteran Jason Simcakoski, who died at the facility, worked with Baldwin on VA reform legislation named "Jason's Law." Simcakoski's parents and widow have supported Baldwin.

Baldwin said she "owned up and said there were mistakes in communication," and addressed them. "Veterans in Wisconsin know I fight for them," she said.

Vukmir said Baldwin "dropped the ball" on Tomah adding she "showed careless disregard" for veterans.

With the debates over, the candidates are poised to barnstorm the state as the Nov. 6 election approaches. On Saturday, Vukmir is due to make six stops while Baldwin has an afternoon event in Milwaukee and a nighttime fundraiser and rally in Madison with the musical group, Bon Iver.

High-profile visitors are due in the coming days.

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Baldwin has Sunday stops in Madison and Milwaukee with California Democrat Kamala Harris, a U.S. senator and likely 2020 presidential contender. On Monday, Baldwin will be with independent U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont at a get-out-the-vote rally for Democrats at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

Former President Barack Obama is to be in Milwaukee Oct. 26 to campaign for Baldwin, Tony Evers, who is challenging Gov. Scott Walker, and other Democrats.

President Donald Trump is coming to an airport rally in Mosinee on Wednesday night to campaign for Vukmir and Gov. Scott Walker. He was last in the state in June for a groundbreaking of the Foxconn facility in Mount Pleasant.

Vukmir said she was "very happy" to have Trump campaign here.