Republican Thune, Democrat Williams to Meet in Senate Debate

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — Republican U.S. Sen. John Thune is meeting Democratic challenger Jay Williams for the first debate in their race.

The debate is Thursday evening on South Dakota Public Broadcasting. Williams, a Yankton businessman, is running a longshot campaign while Thune seeks a third term.

Thune has a staggering cash advantage, with nearly $12.5 million in the bank compared to Williams' roughly $24,000.

Williams says he's running because he feels lawmakers are ignoring the consequences of climate change and rigging the economic system to benefit the wealthy.

Thune, the Senate's third-ranking Republican, ran unopposed six years ago.

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