By Katie Mason, Bryanna Britten, Jaldorra Cooper, and Keaira Westheider
On Oct. 24, four Oyler Griffin staffers were invited to watch the debate between First District Congressman Steve Chabot and his opponent, Hamilton County Clerk of Courts Aftab Pureval. The debate was hosted at the Incline Theater in Price Hill. Griffin News Editor Katie Mason and General Assignment Reporters Bryanna Britten, Jaldorra Cooper, and Keaira Westheider attended. Keaira said “Going to the debate, I had a mindset that it was going to be very boring, but it ended up being very interesting.” Bryanna said, “I had thought I might fall asleep, but it turned out to be very dramatic.”
Tom McKee, Kristen Swilley, and Paula Christian, reporters from WCPO, took turns asking questions of the candidates, while WCPO News Anchor Tanya O’Rourke moderated the debate. Students said both candidates presented compelling arguments, and very strong points of view. For example, Chabot said, “I think a piece of the Western Hills viaduct fell and hit you in the head.” Pureval replied, “I don’t know why you would joke around about that, considering a piece fell, and almost killed one of your constituents.”
After the debate and the election, Steve Chabot won and will continue to represent the First District. But, Pureval gave Chabot a run for his money, 46.4% to 51.8%. And four Griffin staffers learned about and shared