Stiglich urges Reed vs. Herger debate

Democratic congressional candidate, Jim Reed, recently challenged Congressman Wally Herger (R-CD2) to a series of three debates in the North State. The first two would have occurred in August, one in Yuba City, the other in Chico. The final debate in September would have taken place in Redding.

Seemed like a reasonable plan to me.

Holding debates in some of the more populated areas of the congressional district would have afforded voters a pretty convenient opportunity to judge first-hand the strengths and weaknesses of the candidates.

Unfortunately, Wally refused. Instead, his campaign staff suggested a possible October debate.

Anxious to lock in on a firm date, the Reed campaign then, apparently, approached the Chico League of Women Voters to see if they'd be interested in hosting an October debate. They were. A tentative date of October 6th was selected.

Again, seems like a reasonable plan to me.

A debate in early October would most likely garner a lot of voter interest given its close proximity to Election Day, while also taking place well before absentee ballots began showing up in voter mail boxes.

Unfortunately, Wally refused . . . again.

Although still expressing interest in a single October debate, Herger's campaign staff wasn't quite ready to commit to or even seriously discuss a specific date . . . at least not at the moment. You know the old saying, "Don't call us; we'll call you."

Back during the primary congressional campaign, similar efforts were made to schedule debates between myself, the Republican challenger, and the Congressman. All to no avail.

To their credit, the Bostonian Tea Party and Chico League of Women Voters tried to get Wally to participate in their respective debates.

He declined all offers, citing a convenient ‘longstanding policy' preventing him from engaging in political discourse with fellow Republicans.

All personal political considerations aside, candidates seeking elected office should welcome the opportunity to engage in rigorous political debate. In fact, they should pursue it. What better opportunity to showcase one's command of the facts and leadership on critical issues?

I risk being accused of jumping onto the Reed bandwagon by supporting his call for debates. Trust me . . . nothing could be further from the truth. My conservative roots run long and deep. Rather, I've jumped on the bandwagon of folks demanding accountability, honesty, and a healthy command of facts from all those who seek or hold office.

Dare I say, "Let the debates begin."

Pete Stiglich, Cottonwood