Back on May 31, on the Bill Bryant “Newsmakers” show, I challenged the incumbent to debate the issues facing the people of the 6th Congressional District. Monday I was notified by the Kentucky Educational Television network that my opponent, Ben Chandler, will not participate in the debate scheduled months ago. Of course, I will honor my promise to KET to appear at 8 P.M. on Monday, September 29th.
I remain committed to a full and fair examination of myself and the issues, as do other candidates for national office. Ironically, yesterday I saw that incumbent, Mitch McConnell, has agreed to at least 2 debates with his Senatorial challenger, Bruce Lunsford. Two days ago, I watched the rebroadcast of the 22nd debate to which now Vice Presidential candidate, Sarah Palin, submitted herself when she campaigned for Governor of Alaska.
Citizens of Central Kentucky are entitled to test Mr. Chandler’s position on immediate withdrawal from Iraq, earmarks, corporate bailouts of Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and other big government spending, balanced budgets, tax reform, drug treatment programs as alternatives to jails, comprehensive immigration reform and, of course, energy supply/conservation policy.
Why does Mr. Chandler avoid trying his issues in front of his constituents? If he will not show up for a debate here, how can we trust him to show up for our interests in Washington, D.C.? We, the people of Central Kentucky, have the right to watch how Mr. Chandler handles confrontation if he wants to be our Representative in the greatest deliberative body in America. If he is not up to the challenge, I have the courage to do better.
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