FORUM WRAP: Key moments from Texas District 71 candidate forum and analysis

ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC)- For the first time in their 2024 campaign for Texas District house 71, candidates Stan Lambert and Liz Case appeared together for a forum debate Thursday. In the KTAB studio they answered questions ranging from School vouchers and the crisis at the border, to rural healthcare and their personal political records.

FULL FORUM: Liz Case and Stan Lambert respond to rumors & burning questions in candidate forum

Here’s a quick look at some of the key moments to come out of the conversation:

Kicking off the night, each candidate was posed with allegations that have been following them throughout their campaigns. Case addressed the claim that she does not reside in the district having voted in Dallas as recently as November of 2023. She stated this was an issue of registration, rather than residence – an issue that she says has been resolved.

“If I hadn’t qualified, I wouldn’t be on the ballot. There could have been a legal challenge but they knew that there was no standing for that,” said Case.

Lambert was questioned on his house voting record on claims that he has voted with Democrats regularly. He says the votes in question had bipartisan support – an aspect he feels is integral to the political process.

“I’m very proud of my voting record. It’s important that we have bipartisanship. And I will continue to be a bipartisan supporter,” Lambert stated.

Following that, school vouchers have been a prominent topic in most all Texas Elections. Case has voiced her support for them while Lambert has come out against the idea. He says he sees vouchers as an unsustainable “big government” program that would ultimately result in financial loss for the State.

“We’re the party of limited government. Now we’re talking about creating a completely new bureaucracy. With administrators, government officials overseeing the voucher program that is going to grow exponentially,” said Lambert.

Case says she feels it’s an issue of parental empowerment rather than government overreach.

“I think we’ve got to trust Texas parents that they know what’s best for their kids,” Case said.

In the nights closing statements, Lambert was first on the floor bringing the conversation back to the question of Case’s residence leaving the night with a reassurance of his qualifications, and a slight jab toward Case.

“I believe that I have the qualifications to continue in this role. You may not agree with every vote I take. You may not understand why I took that vote, but here’s what I guarantee – you can call me and we can discuss that. If you call my opponent, you’ll be calling a 214 area code and she may not be here 24/7 like I will be,” Lambert said.

In her closing statement, Case again addressed the allegation and returned that jab to Lambert, closing out by doubling down on her long stated promise of availability in office.

“I find it interesting that he says that you can get ahold of him given the fact that he doesn’t even have a district office here. I don’t know any other state representative that doesn’t have a district office that you can visit him in. And when I’m elected to this district, I will have a district office that you can come visit me in any time,” said Case.

To put the night’s conversation into perspective political science professors Dr. Paul Fabrizio of McMurry University, and Dr. Neal Coates of Abilene Christian University were on hand taking notes throughout the Forum.

FULL FORUM REVIEW: Political Analysts review Texas House District 71 Candidate Forum

In overview, Dr. Fabrizio says this race is indicative of the current state of the Republican party, stating that when you closely examine the issues Case and Lambert aren’t that far apart. Positing that party “power players” such as Gov. Greg Abbott and Senator Ted Cruz are supporting the candidates that best support their agendas.

“…the republican party is eating itself. This is a republican civil war. And I’ll even be more blunt. This is a power play by the republican powers in the state. The Governor, the Lieutenant Governor, the Attorney General, Senator Ted Cruz to get out of the party those that are not 100% with them on their agenda…And it’s not just taking place here but as Neal said it’s taking place all over the state. They’re willing to find candidates who will agree with those power players. They will make sure they have more than enough money to run the campaign and feed our mailbox with all these things and also they will make sure that they have advice on how to run their campaign..,” Fabrizio said.

Dr. Coates then looking ahead to post election expounding on issues each candidate might face if they are elected to the office.

“If Lambert wins, will he be able to still be able to bring home the bacon and represent us in a way that people in Austin will say, we’re listening to you? If Liz case wins? Will she listen to the district would be the response there. So it creates quite a difficult situation no matter who wins. And whoever does win, needs to really mend some fences,” said Coates

Both the forum debate and the political analysis can be viewed in full at the links found throughout this article.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTAB - BigCountryHomepage.com.