Lawler and Conley Clash Over Abuse Allegations and Policy

Republican Rep. Mike Lawler and Democratic challenger Cait Conley clashed during a televised debate Wednesday over domestic violence allegations involving another lawmaker, campus sexual-assault policy and immigration enforcement, with Conley accusing Lawler of defending Rep. Max Miller and blaming Miller’s ex-wife. Lawler denied the accusation and said the matter should be handled in family court. The exchange began during a discussion of whether there should be a federal definition or law for consent, prompted by allegations of a 2024 sexual assault at a Cornell University fraternity. Conley said universities should not investigate violent crimes such as sexual assault and called for reforms, while saying she was unsure whether changes should be made at the state or federal level. Conley then criticized Lawler for what she characterized as defending Miller and blaming his ex-wife, Emily Moreno, who has accused Miller of abuse. Those allegations have not been established in the supplied reporting. Lawler responded that he had not blamed Moreno, said he knew both of them and described the matter as tragic. He said it should be addressed in family court. Lawler then challenged...