Schiff and Garvey face off in Senate debate

LOS ANGELES (KGTV) — Los Angeles-area Congressman Adam Schiff and former Dadre player Steve Garvey had their one and only debate for the California Senate seat on Oct. 8. ABC 10News senior investigative reporter Jim Avila followed the debate to Los Angeles and tells us what made the tensions rise at the podiums.
They stood on stage 10 feet and miles apart. Adam Schiff, a veteran congressman who threw hardballs at Donald Trump during two impeachments in a congressional investigation, and Steve Garvey, a veteran Padre and Dodger All-Star first baseman who is a rookie in the political world.
Garvey had trouble fielding charges that he is too close to Trump, who is unpopular in California.
The first high-end type fastball came from Schiff on abortion — a procedure Garvey says he is personally against but will respect California law that allows it.
“I’m for reproductive freedom. Mr. Garvey, you are not,” Schiff said. “And Californians deserve better than that. They’re not looking for some MAGA-mini me in a baseball uniform. They want someone who’s going to fight for their rights.”
Garvey seemed more sure footed on the issue of immigration, the other flash point in the hour-long debate.
“Over the last four years, this man has voted for an open border,” Garvey says. “That means that 15 million people, plus getaways, have come into this country.”
“I’ve never voted for open borders, but I’ll tell you what, you voted for Donald Trump,” Schiff responded. “Now three times — you say you’re going to vote for him again. This is somebody who wants mass deportations.”
Afterwards, Garvey seemed anxious to get to the clubhouse and left after taking only two questions.
“Do you think that you are unfairly tied with President Trump at this point?” the moderator asked.
“Oh, I think so. I think people know that we’re two entirely different people… I’ve always said I’ll be honest with the people. I did vote for him twice, and the third time I thought he was the best person for the job,” Garvey says.
Schiff who was ahead in the polls by more than 20% seemed at ease. So much so that he spends most of his time campaigning for other Democrats in and out of California.
“Are you overconfident? Do you think this is in the bag?” Avila asked.
“No, no — absolutely not. My view of elections is run scared or run unopposed. And look — there’s nothing I think these sort of MAGA folks would want more than to see if they can beat Adam Schiff,” Schiff responded.
This is Steve Garvey’s most high profile appearance since the primary, where he finished second. He says he’s been meeting with small groups of voters across the state, leaving many to wonder where he’s been and if we’ll see him again before Election Day.