Truth Tracker: Washington state Gubernatorial candidates debate claims fact-checked [Video]

SPOKANE, Wash. – Wednesday night’s debate between Democrat Bob Ferguson and Republican Dave Reichert featured contentious exchanges and disputed claims. NonStop Local’s Truth Tracker team examines some of these claims to provide clarity for Washington’s voters.

Claim 1: Did Dave Reichert say he wanted to “unravel” state protections for abortions?

During the debate, Attorney General Bob Ferguson accused Dave Reichert of planning to undo Washington’s abortion protections, citing a recording taken from a Vancouver Town Hall event hosted by conservative group Firmly Planted Action.

Referencing a Seattle Times article, Ferguson said: “Reichert responded by noting that state law protected abortion, and now (the Seattle Times) quote(d) your response, ‘But what we have to do now is work towards unraveling all that.’”

The recording of Reichert addressing the right-wing advocacy group is real. However, Reichert claims it was taken out of context, stating it did not refer to abortion rights.

KUOW, …