WILMINGTON, Del. (AP) - In the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy, candidates for U.S. House and Senate agree that the federal government has a role in helping states respond to natural disasters.
Incumbent Democratic Rep. John Carney Jr. and Sen. Tom Carper, along with their Republican challengers, Tom Kovach and Kevin Wade, agreed at a candidate forum Thursday that while state and local governments should lead disaster response efforts, the federal government has an important role in providing resources and other assistance.
Alex Pires Jr., an Independent candidate who also is challenging Carper, skipped the Rotary Club debate, telling sponsors early Thursday that he was directing a food shipment to storm victims in New Jersey.
The Senate candidates also were scheduled to meet later Thursday at a debate sponsored by the Urban League of Wilmington.
