The sounds of chatter and rustling died as the lights went down. All attention was turned towards the transformed Opstad Auditorium stage as the Second District Congressional Debate kicked off.

The debate, moderated by Dean Borg, started at 7:00 p.m. and was broadcasted live on Iowa Public Television.

Topics ranged from the Affordable Care Act and concerns with the VA Hospital to foreign policy and the problems in the Middle East.

“It is up to the President to lead us.” Miller-Meeks said on the President’s involvement in foreign policy.

The debate even touched on the candidates’ position on the use of medical marijuana, to which Lobesack gave a very short, affirmative  answer.