Congressional Race Features 2 Candidates Who Disagree On Nearly Every Issue
Follow CBSMIAMI.COM: Facebook | Twitter
BROWARD (CBSMiami) – Voters in Florida's 23rd Congressional District are deciding whether to send Democrat Debbie Wasserman Schultz back to Washington on November 8th.
Republican Joe Kaufman is challenging the incumbent congresswoman for the seat, which covers parts of Broward County and Miami-Dade County.
The two disagree on almost every issue.
"I hope they remember me as someone who is part of the community – one of them," Wasserman Schultz said in a recent interview with CBS4 reporter Joan Murray
CBS4 also spoke to Kaufman as he was greeting voters at an early voting location in Pembroke Pines.
Kaufman is an active member of the Jewish community, a husband and father.
He supports Donald Trump and his message of putting America first.
Chief among his disagreements with Wasserman Schultz, who is also active in the Jewish community, was her support of the Iran nuclear deal.
"She was the leader of the Democratic Party on that issue and I'll fight against it," said Kaufman.
Wasserman Schultz defends her decision, saying, "That was the best way to ensure Israel's safety and our national security."
It has been a tumultuous year for the Weston wife and mother.
Wasserman Schultz faced a stiff challenge against Tim Canova in the Democratic primary for her congressional seat.
She was also forced to resign her position as head of the Democratic National Committee over the summer, after an uproar over thousands of leaked emails that revealed efforts to derail the Bernie Sanders' presidential campaign.
"It was difficult and painful but I have the skin of an alligator. It's never been about me," she said.
Wasserman Schultz remains focused on women and children's issues. She's also for building the economy with home grown jobs.
Education is a priority too, including making college more affordable.
Wasserman Schultz concedes Obamacare may have to be tweaked.
"No legislation is perfect," she said.
Kaufman said he will work to revise universal healthcare by creating more competition with health insurance companies.
"For me Obamacare is not working. It is destroying small business," he said.
Other issues Kaufman is focused on include reducing overregulation to help businesses grow and immigration. He is in favor of sealing the borders.
Kaufman said he will work to preserve Florida's environment.
He said he thinks he will get a lot of support from independents
"I believe all those Bernie Sanders supporters will hold her accountable," Kaufman said.
Wasserman Schultz said she has a thick skin when it comes to negative criticism.
For more on Campaign 2016, click here.
BALLOT BREAKDOWN| Election 101 | Solar Energy | Medical Marijuana | Broward Penny Sales Tax | GMO Mosquitoes | Amendments Recap | Miami Lakes Mayoral Race | Miami-Dade Mayoral Race | Election Stress Disorder | Palmetto Vice Mayor | Florida Senate Race
