Politics
Attack ads take center stage at Boca Raton forum in Florida’s 25th District race
Republican Scott Singer and Democratic Rep. Jared Moskowitz clashed over negative campaign ads at a Boca Raton forum, as undecided voters sought a clearer picture of the candidates. Singer also challenged Moskowitz to a televised debate.
BOCA RATON, Fla. — Negative campaign advertising took center stage at a forum for Florida’s 25th Congressional District, where Republican Scott Singer and Democratic Rep. Jared Moskowitz discussed the race and foreign policy with voters in Boca Raton.
The roughly hourlong event, hosted by B’nai Israel’s congregation, covered Cuba, Iran and Israel. The newly drawn district stretches from Palm Beach County to Miami Beach, bringing together communities with varied concerns and political perspectives.
Some voters arrived undecided. One attendee, identified only as Rene, said their ballot was still blank and they had come to hear the candidates directly. Rene also said the volume of negative advertising from both campaigns made it difficult to know what to believe.
Moskowitz, who is seeking a third term, objected to ads accusing him of corruption. Singer defended his advertising and discussed his position on stock trading by members of Congress. He called for stronger penalties for lawmakers who trade stocks and said similar limits should apply to the executive branch.
Singer described the contest as close and urged Republicans to vote, arguing that the district has a five-point Republican advantage and that turnout would determine the result. The source of that margin was not specified at the forum.
After the event, Singer challenged Moskowitz to a televised debate. The candidates are scheduled to appear at another forum next week. Moskowitz did not speak with reporters after the Boca Raton event.
For voters still weighing their choices, the forum offered an opportunity to hear the candidates’ arguments in person amid a campaign shaped by disputes over advertising, ethics and turnout.