Reply #5: OH: Blackwell Refuses to Debate

[mod mom]

Why discuss issues when you count your own vote?:

Blackwell refuses to debate, says focus is on GOP voters
Friday, March 24, 2006
Joe Hallett
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH


Ohioans apparently will see no public debates before the May 2 primary election in the hotly contested Republican race for governor.

Secretary of State J. Kenneth Blackwell has declined several invitations to debate his GOP rival, Attorney General Jim Petro, including one extended by three newspapers.

Public television stations across the state were set to air an April 10 debate between Blackwell and Petro sponsored by The Dispatch, The (Cleveland) Plain Dealer and the Dayton Daily News. Petro accepted in writing March 3, but Blackwell’s campaign notified the sponsors Wednesday that he would not participate.

Carlo LoParo, Blackwell’s campaign spokesman, said the campaign has turned down several debate requests from nonpartisan organizations, including the City Club of Cleveland, because Blackwell is concentrating on conveying his message to GOP voters rather than the broader electorate.



http://www.ohioelects.com/?story=dispatch/2006/03/24/20060324-E5-02.html