Republican Representative Andy Harris lashed out on Tuesday night during a debate with Democrat Dan Schwartz in Maryland when he was laughed at for his comments about gas prices. The debate was hosted by the League of Women Voters in Cambridge in Maryland’s First Congressional District, which Harris has represented since 2011. The debate mostly focused on issues that affect the district, from aging bridges to the poultry industry and offshore wind projects.
But, as the debate continued, the audience interrupted Harris multiple times. Tensions boiled over when the candidates were asked about the Trump administration's deal with Russia over diesel. After Schwartz criticized the move, Harris turned to the reason diesel prices have risen.
"The facts are diesel prices have gone up. There’s no question about it. Because the Democrats' environmental regulations have not—," Harris said.
He was then cut off by laughter, shouts and groans from the audience. "See, this is the problem," he said to the audience. "You say you all believe there’s First Amendment but only if you agree with you.
You should let me finish the sentence, ma’am. You are rude." The debate moderator attempted to calm the audience, and as chatter and laughter continued, Harris pointed at another audience member, telling them "You’re rude too," before they hit back and said: "You started it." Eventually, Schwartz also weighed in to keep the debate civil. "It’s very important that you guys are able to hear from both of us tonight," he said.
While Harris did not finish his explanation, federal energy officials have attributed the recent surge in diesel prices to other factors. Energy Information Administration said in September that tight global supplies of distillate fuel and elevated crude-oil prices had driven prices higher in recent months, with reduced refining activity in Russia, China and the Middle East contributing to the shortage. Wendell Meekins is a Dorchester County farmer in Maryland’s First Congressional District, with approximately 30 years of experience.
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