Screenshot via Facebook

Fourth Congressional District candidate Jake Hunsaker was the only participant in the debate hosted by the Utah Debate Commission on Wednesday.

Incumbent Rep. Burgess Owens declined the commission’s invitation to participate in the event, according to debate moderator Jason Perry, of the Hinckley Institute of Politics.

Hunsaker’s solo debate focused on a wide range of topics including red flag laws, Roe v. Wade, inflation and student loan forgiveness.

With the tragic events of the Uvalde shooting still fresh in people’s minds, the discussion of red flag laws and gun violence became the first topic Hunsaker addressed. He expressed his condolences to those families and his stance on red flag laws.

“I am a Republican because I believe in the Constitution,” said Hunsaker. “I am pro-second amendment. I respect and will fight for the rights of law-abiding legal gun owners. Insisting on using (the Uvalde shooting) in terms of the gun conversation is not only irresponsible, it is unhelpful and damaging.”

Harrison Epstein, Daily Herald

Hunsaker continued by saying the conversation around gun rights and gun control laws are toxic, and a multifaceted approach will be needed to create a solution.

He expressed that, in many conversations with individuals with democratic views, they express that only in America do we have such high rates of gun violence.

“I also respectfully say that only America has gun ownership in its fundamental documents for American citizens,” he said. “We have to have a uniquely American solution.”

He further added that if any restrictions would be considered, they must be based in the Constitution.

Moving into the economy, Perry and Hunsaker acknowledged the seriousness of inflation throughout Utah and the United States. Hunsaker said this will be a top priority if he’s elected.

“What the federal government needs to do to address inflation is stop printing fake money,” he said. Hunsaker elaborated his point, saying that “irresponsible” federal spending is used to put money in constituent’s pockets as a way to earn their votes.

He added a belief that the country’s biggest crisis is its $30 trillion national debt.

Another popular topic discussed is the upcoming decision to overturn Roe v. Wade by the U.S. Supreme Court. If overturned, Utah would make abortion illegal with the exceptions of rape, incest or life mother’s life was in danger due to previously passed trigger bans.

Hunsaker said he is, unequivocally, pro-life.

“I believe in the sanctity of life both before birth (and) after birth and I believe we have a responsibility to care for the unborn,” Hunsaker said. He did add that “it is not a federal issue to decide.”

If elected, Hunsaker said he would be most excited to debate student loan debt forgiveness with a Democrat — the only Democratic candidate for the fourth district is activist Darlene McDonald — before the general election in November.

In his question, Perry said that the average student loan debt for Utahns is around $31,000.

“The government doesn’t have a job to pay for everything,” Hunsaker responded. “I look forward to contrasting my view with my Democrat opponent because I know that’s a fundamental difference we have; the government is not in the job of solving problems — for printing more money … that will not solve the problem.”

In his closing statement, Hunsaker talked about the elephant in the room — or not in the room. He believes Owens’ lack of appearance is just one of the many reasons the fourth district needs a new representative.

“It’s no more apparent than it is today, with an empty podium right next to me, where your representative feels. That it is beneath him to appear, to debate actual ideas and solutions for the pressing problems of our community,” Hunsaker said. “More than anything, this country was based on the idea that when people show up, good things happen. You deserve a representative to answer your questions shows up to earn your vote.”

A recording of the full debate can be found on the Utah Debate Commission Facebook page.

Newsletter