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Jacky Rosen Talks Healthcare, Immigration, Veterans

Paul Boger
/
Reno Public Radio
Congresswoman Jacky Rosen, the Democratic Nominee for U.S. Senate, speaks to supporters in Reno.

Nevada's U.S. Senate race has been among the most closely watched contests in the country this election cycle, with incumbent Republican Senator Dean Heller facing a tough challenge from Democratic Congresswoman Jacky Rosen. And, while the two candidates have traded barbs over nearly every major issue, nothing has sparked more debate than perhaps healthcare.

"What's been happening over the last so-many-years is that the Republicans have been sabotaging the Affordable Care Act,” Rosen said. “So, one of the reasons premiums are going up is because of uncertainty in the healthcare markets. So, if we stabilize those cost-sharing reductions and insurances companies see that stability, we can bring more companies into the markets and bring those prices down."

The Congresswoman has faced strong criticism from her opponents for her close ties to former Nevada Senator Harry Reid and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi of California. Part of that criticism stems from Rosen’s reliance on fundraising outside of Nevada. According to the most recent campaign finance reports, the Congresswoman raised more than $7 million last quarter, with another $23 million being spent by political action committees on her behalf. Rosen says a lot of that money has been donated by individuals who recognize the importance of this particular Senate race.

"I can tell you that I have a grassroots campaign. Out of all the money that I've raised so far, I've had over 165,000 individual donations. My average donation is about $50. So, what I can tell you is that people around the country do understand that Dean Heller is the most vulnerable Senator of this election cycle."

This article is an excerpt of an extended conversation. You can listen to a longer interview by clicking the play button above.

Paul Boger is a former reporter at KUNR Public Radio.