Rep. Mike Flood-(R)-Neb. Dist. 1 and Bellevue Senator Carol Blood. (Courtesy photos)LINCOLN–(KFOR Sept. 16)–For 60 minutes on Sunday afternoon, Republican incumbent Mike Flood and Democratic challenger Carol Blood debated a number of topics, as both bid for Nebraska’s first-district seat in Congress. Abortion access was the first topic discussed.  Flood said he remains pro-life. “As it relates to federal legislation, it’s hard to comment on something that we have not seen,” Flood said.  “As opposed to my opponent, who has voted against banning dismemberment abortions, I am in the mainstream with Americans on this.  She is in the extreme because she supports abortion up to and before the day of birth.” Blood, a term-limited state senator from Bellevue, rebutted with saying there is no such thing as abortion at birth. “That is another scare tactic that we’ve become used to, when (Representative) Flood is talking to us,” Blood said.  “What we need to remember is that we are talking about a health care issue.  It is not a good thing to have a patchwork of laws across the United States.” Blood adds with these excessive laws, women are not getting the proper care they need and she believes in freedom. “I trust women to make these important decisions. I don’t trust male politicians to make these decisions because they are not doctors,” Blood said. Gun violence was also discussed, with both Flood and Blood being gun owners and each intend to defend the 2nd Amendment.  Other topics included student loan debt, artificial intelligence (which both are calling for federal regulation). Immigration was also discussed. Flood says Americans don’t want illegal immigrants voting in federal elections and he says he supports former President Trump’s remain in Mexico policy. “As a member of Congress, I believe we need to take the power of that policy out of the discretion of the Executive Branch and we need to make it the law of the land,” Flood said.  “If you want to apply for asylum, you need to remain in Mexico, while your application is pending.” Blood says both sides have become partisan on the issue. “We continue to point fingers and continue to blame.  The blame goes squarely on the shoulders of Congress, who are unable to pass a long-term budget to fund the resources.  They are not listening to the boots on the ground and instead, they are creating fear and putting out misinformation.” Sunday’s debate was hosted by Nebraska Public Media.