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In Final Debate, Neal And Amatul-Wadud Face Off On District Needs

The two Democrats running for the First Congressional seat in Massachusetts faced off for their second and final debate on Thursday.

During the taping at WGBY TV, the candidates debated how to balance the needs of both rural and urban constituents. The district is geographically the largest in the Commonwealth.

Attorney Tahirah Amatul-Wadud said incumbent Congressman Richard Neal has overlooked the less-populated parts of the district, while her campaign has "given a microphone, if not a megaphone, to the needs of the folks in the rural district."

That's why she would make access to high speed internet, which is lacking in some rural areas, one of her top priorities.

"I look at one of the greatest crises in the district -- the lack of broadband infrastructure," Amatul-Wadud said.

For his part, Neal said transportation is most important.

"Our highways, roadways, airports, bridges and railroads are all begging for investment," he said.

Neal said his work to expand rail service including the redevelopment of Springfield's Union Station benefits everyone across the district.

"I was the one that was recently able to convince Governor Baker to do an east-west rail study that would take us from Boston to Worcester to Springfield and on to Pittsfield," Neal said.

The primary is September 4.

Take a look at NEPR's Massachusetts Primary Voter Guide 2018.

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