The candidates take the stage at the Nebraska State Fair Monday morning 9-10 a.m. You can watch it here on 3 News Now and our Facebook page, as well as Omaha.com. The debate also airs live on C-SPAN. This debate will re-air from 6-7 p.m. Monday night on 3 News Now.
U.S. Senator Deb Fischer and Lincoln city councilwoman Jane Raybould differ on several policy points, from healthcare to immigration. Their sides of hot button issues will be on full display Monday morning at the Nebraska State Fair.
Nebraska News Channel's Joe Jordan says Senator Fischer's commitment to a single debate is a tactic, which could work in her favor. It could prevent Raybould from leveling the playing field.
"This being the possibility of the one and only debate, Jane Raybould really needs to hit this thing out of the park," Jordan said. "If it's a wash, it's a huge victory in effect for Jen Fischer."
Returning U.S. Senators have a history of being reelected. Studies show over 90 percent of incumbent senators win reelections. Monday's debate at the state fair is one of the few steps for Deb Fischer.
"If you're the incumbent and you feel like you have a comfortable lead, which I'm sure Deb Fischer feels she has, you don't want to elevate your opponent too often," Jordan said.
The candidates will battle back and forth from 9-10 a.m., covering topics like tariffs imposed on trade partners and national security.
Experts say a stellar performance could seal the deal for either candidate.
"Jane Raybould almost needs a knock-it-out-of-the-park homerun or a huge mistake by Senator Fischer to jumpstart the campaign," Jordan said.
