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The Arizona Citizens Clean Elections Commission hosted a debate featuring Doug Ducey (R), Fred DuVal (D), Barry J. Hess (L) and Americans Elect candidate J.L. Mealer. The four candidates disagreed over the state's expansion of Medicaid, a health-insurance program for low-income residents, under the Affordable Care Act. Ducey, who opposed the expansion prior to implementation, said he would allow continued expansion over a three-year period where the federal government provides matching funds. DuVal and Mealer voiced support for the expansion, with DuVal noting that repeal would be burdensome not only to patients but the state economy. Hess said he would end the expansion because its success has led to excessive tax increases.
The debate also highlighted differences among the major party candidates over Gov. Jan Brewer's decision to block issuance of driver's licenses to young adults who came to the United States without proper documentation. Ducey said he would continue the policy if elected. DuVal said that repealing the prohibition would be his first act as governor.
