Moore and Crosby clash over tariffs, Iran war and solar in 2nd District debate

Republican U.S. Rep. Blake Moore and Democratic challenger Peter Crosby met Tuesday at Utah State University in Logan for a debate in the newly drawn 2nd Congressional District, Utah News Dispatch reported. The Utah Debate Commission event, moderated by KUTV anchor Heidi Hatch and aired by PBS Utah, covered data centers, water, energy, the Great Salt Lake, the national debt, tariffs and the war in Iran. ^[1]

Moore described himself as a productive lawmaker focused on solutions rather than "toxic" politics, saying he has passed more legislation than anyone in his cohort. Crosby, an adjunct professor at USU's Center for Anticipatory Intelligence, said the difference between them is that Moore "is fine with the path that we're on. I'm not," according to the outlet. ^[1]

The two agreed on local control over data centers, a fiscal commission to address the national debt and praise for state leaders' handling of artificial intelligence. Crosby went after Moore on tariffs, fuel prices and the Iran war, arguing they are hurting Utah farmers, and on the loss of residential solar subsidies in last year's federal budget and tax bill. Moore said he had urged a ceasefire, called the war a "major, major problem" and pointed to a pending permitting bill he said could ease fuel prices. ^[1]

A Utah Debate Commission poll taken Sept. 10-24 had Moore at 39% and Crosby at 34%, with about 10.7% undecided and a margin of error of 4.32 points, the Dispatch reported. Three other candidates on the ballot, Libertarian Daniel Cottam, Independent American Carlton Bowen and unaffiliated Robert Moesinger, did not qualify for the debate. Moore told reporters afterward he is confident in his campaign. ^[1]