| "I accept Ralph Hall's offer to debate the issues," said Glenn Melancon, Democratic Candidate for US Congress in Texas' Fourth Congressional District. "The voters need and want to know what the candidates stand for."
According to the Dallas Morning News (Thursday, March 6, 2008), Hall said he's ready to debate the issues. Both Republican and Democratic primary candidates had highlighted Congressman Hall's absence from local town hall meetings. Hall justified his absence by the need to spend his time at fundraisers.
"A Congressman should demonstrate to the public he can debate," said Melancon. "It will be good for the voters to see their candidates in action."
Melancon proposed a series of six debates around the district. He pointed out several local organizations all have experience hosting political forums. These groups include Sherman's KXII and Herald Democrat, Greenville's Herald Banner, Mount Pleasant's Daily Tribune, Paris' Chamber of Commerce and Paris News, and New Boston's Chamber of Commerce and Bowie County Citizen's Tribune. Melancon said setting the schedule now is important in light of Mr. Hall's busy schedule.
"These debates would be great for our democracy," Melancon said. "Traditional public debates have been pushed aside in recent years by 30 sec TV ads. It would be wonderful to restore the debating tradition in our District."
Sources:
Congressman Hall, foe ready for a rematch: Collin, Rockwall: Incumbent Hall brushes off Democrat's confidence,” By Jim Getz, The Dallas Morning News, Thursday, March 6, 2008.
Challengers say congressional incumbent Hall is skipping campaign trail: House veteran says he's booked, not ducking challengers, By Jim Getz, The Dallas Morning News, Wednesday, February 27, 2008. |
