Democrats for Congress Hold First Debate

Democratic candidates for congress Shaughnessy Naughton and Kevin Strouse met for their first public debate Monday in Trevose.

The candidates, who are vying to oust Republican Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick (R-8), debated at Linconia Tabernacle Christian Center. About 150 people attended the debate, according to a Courier Times report.

Strouse, 34, and Naughton, 35, have a second debate scheduled Tuesday at Bucks County Community College’s Lower Bucks Campus. That debate gets underway at noon.

During Monday’s debate, the candidates touched on job creation, health care, education, campaign finance reform and the environment.

The Democratic primary for the 8th Congressional District is May 20. The winner will face Fitzpatrick on Nov. 4.

Strouse, a 2001 Columbia University graduate, is a former Army Ranger and CIA officer who served three tours in Afghanistan and one in Iraq. He lives in Middletown Township with his wife and two young children.

Naughton, a Plumstead Township native, is a scientist and small business owner. She graduated from Bryn Mawr College in 1999 with a degree in chemistry.