Debate Request

28
07

2006
11:17

The following letter has been sent via registered mail and PGP signed email to all five other candidates running for U.S. Senate in Utah.

Dear Mr. Bradley/Hatch/Hatch/Price/Seely,

This letter constitutes a formal and public challenge to debate on the issues upcoming in this November’s election. I believe we owe it to the people of Utah to clearly and strongly articulate our positions. To that end, I challenge you to debate me, and any other party’s nominee, in each county in the state of Utah during the month of August. I feel that we can begin these debates in Salt Lake City on August 12, at the Salt Lake City Main Library.

This summer, 27 Utah counties (all except Daggett and Grand) will hold county fairs, events that represent major public gatherings for their communities. I urge that we take advantage of these audiences and debate. I realize that some may conflict with your schedule, but I think that we can organize our schedules to visit all 29 counties during this fair season.

I am willing to negotiate all aspects of the debate, with the intent of simplifying the technicalities to maintain focus on the primary goal: presenting the electorate with an opportunity to hear from both parties. If you are unable to debate in person, I would be more than happy to debate a member of your campaign staff, county Constitution/Desert Greens/Republican/Personal Choice/Libertarian chair, or any other representative. We both owe it to the public to present our own values, policies, and positions.

I am releasing this letter to the public, the press, and the county fair committees, in the hope that you will accept my challenge. If you have any questions, wish to negotiate, or to accept, please feel free to contact me.

I look forward to your timely response.

Sincerely,

Pete Ashdown

Campaign

Comments

Comment from Steve @ 2006.07.28 - 11:38

It never looks good when a serious politician or candidates declines an invitation to debate.

Way to go, Pete!

Comment from Misty Fowler @ 2006.07.28 - 11:38

I’m really glad to see you requesting this! It can only be a good thing for the people, and for your campaign. Please keep us all up-to-date with dates and times. I really look forward to the chance to see such a debate!

Comment from Elizabeth @ 2006.08.01 - 18:43

This is awesome! I’m not from Utah, but am following the upcoming races, and hope Mr. Hatch takes you up on this. What a brilliant idea to utilize the fairs too. Great idea and best of luck to you and your candidacy 🙂

Comment from Jo-Pete @ 2006.08.02 - 01:06

Is that plan fair to the one candidate that doesn’t actually live in Utah? Why should Hatch have to spend his entire vacation running around the state of Utah in an endless string of debates?

I really hope they respond to the challenge. I can’t wait to see it.

Comment from DL @ 2006.08.03 - 07:15

I am a totally conservative Republican, and don’t see myself voting for Pete Ashdown . . . yet. If our incumbent Senators are the “proven champions” that they should be, then they should willingly accept an invitation to debate!! This sort of bird-dogging and blatant political strategy (the avoidance of the debate, NOT the invitation) is exactly what turns apathetic voters into cynical voters. I for one think that incumbents already have such an advantage by virtue of their incumbency, to prove their greatness they should debate!! Holding the high office of a United States Senator is an honor that should be fought for!! And who doesn’t love to see a good political fight, anyway . . . Gentleman (Used loosely here. They are, after all, politicians.), put on your gloves, to your corners, and let’s get this fight started!!!

Comment from Info Warrior @ 2006.08.03 - 17:22

A new Senator for a new century? I hope this isn’t the New American Century(PNAC) that planned Septemeber 11, the war in Afghanistan, Iraq, Iran, Syria, and Lebabon. I`d sure as hell change my slogan. Those of us who want change, know about the PNAC documents, and the whole clan that was involved in it. Especially the part calling for a New Pearl Harbor event to get us behind these wars and this huge military buildup. READ THE DOCUMENT Rebuilding Americas Defenses(http://newamericancentury.org/RebuildingAmericasDefenses.pdf ) , Don’t listen to me.
I read your Bio and like your platform, but I almost dismissed you without a thought because of that New Century slogan, as I have a pre-9-11 mindset.

Pingback from Pete Ashdown’s Campaign Journal » “Never refused a debate” @ 2006.08.10 - 13:55

[…] Lara Jones, the interviewer, asked Senator Hatch if he was going to debate his opponent. I was looking forward to his answer because in spite of requesting a debate via registered letter, I’ve heard nothing in response. The closest thing to an answer is Hatch campaign manager Dave Hanson fumbling the ball in response to Ethan Millard at SLCSpin. Even though Senator Hatch has most of August off, campaign season apparently hasn’t started yet. […]

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