(WXYZ) — Tonight U.S. Representative Elissa Slotkin and former representative Mike Rogers will try to appeal to voters in a debate right here on 7.
The two are fighting to replace Senator Debbie Stabenow. I went to speak with a political scientist and Metro Detroit voters about what they're expecting from tonight's debate.
Voters told us they don't want to hear attacks on each other, but road maps to how their policies will improve things like the economy, reproductive rights and immigration, and others are just looking forward to learning more about the candidates.
"My Dad and I talk a lot about social issues and where our funding in America goes," said a Rochester Christian Student.
The issues Michigan voters are hoping to hear U.S. Senate candidate Rep. Elissa Slotkin and former Representative Mike Rogers bring up at the U.S. Senate debate, filling up this whiteboard.
"I'm going to go with immigration reform," said Pal Campo from Farmington Hills.
"Immigration reform, tax reduction in the state, and then insurance reform," said voter David Ballantyne. "I really think most people need more money in their pocket."
"Women's rights," said Sangeya Wiggins.
Raymond Wiggins said the same, with his daughter in mind.
"Women's rights is more than just abortion and she needs to be able to have the right to make the decision between her and her doctor," Raymond said.
Oakland University Political Science Professor, Dave Dulio, says people tuning in to hear Slotkin and Rogers will hear those topics come up.
"I think you're going to hear Mike Rogers try to focus on issues like the economy and immigration," Dulio said. "Elissa Slotkin, I think wants to talk about abortion. I think she wants to talk about manufacturing jobs, supply chain - keeping it here in Michigan."
But don't expect to hear much overlap.
"Voters are going to see a lot of contrast," Dulio said.
Both candidates have experience in Congress, but for some voters, like a college freshmen we spoke to, it's the first time they're meeting Slotkin and Rogers.
"I turned 18 this year," she said. "I'm excited, it's a really important election. I'm voting for all the women in my life. I'm voting for my brothers in my house who are African American. I'm voting for a lot of different people because I love a lot of people."
Dulio said the debate is a great way to learn who the candidates are, unscripted.
"Any time you go further down the ballot you lose viewership, if you will," Dulio said. "That unfiltered, unproduced communication of their ideas and vision for what their time in the U.S. Senate would mean is invaluable to voters."
"What matters is their character," the 18-year-old first-time voter told us. "I just want to vote for somebody that I would trust with my future kid."
The Wiggins' saying they're not just listening for what's being talked about.. they want to hear a road map.
"Give us some examples of how you will support women's rights and how you can ensure my rights will be protected," Sangeya said.
"I think immigration reform is good as long as people understand the difference from immigration and refugee," Raymond said.
Voters saying they're also hoping to hear less attacking.
"Voters are clamoring for bipartisanship, compromise, pragmatism," Dulio said.
"We are common in a lot of ways and I wish they'd quit fighting about all the ways we are different," Paul said.
A couple of other issues voters brought up: reforming the foster care system and implementing term limits in Congress. The debate starts tonight at 7 p.m. right here on WXYZ.
