Andy Barr continues to run from Nancy Jo Kemper, refusing to debate her. Why?
Andy Barr (R-Wall Street) is the incumbent Congressperson from Kentucky’s sixth district. Reverend Nancy Jo Kemper is the Dem challenger for the seat.
For the past few months, a number of groups have attempted to set up at least one debate between Barr and Kemper. The results have gone from expected (incumbents never like to debate), to puzzling (not even ONE debate?), to downright bizarre.
– The League Of Women Voters Forum – refused to participate
– The Frankfort Chamber Of Commerce Forum – not gonna do it
– The Kentucky Council For Peace and Justice Forum – "who?"
At this point, it is obvious that Andy Barr is actually scared of debating Nancy Jo Kemper.
Why? You would think that an experienced elected official would be glad, happy even, to talk about his record of accomplishment in office. Could it be that there isn’t much to talk about?
Or could it be that he knows that Kemper is going to bring up his ties to Wall Street, and the campaign money he has raised from there, and his efforts to protect big banks and big banksters at the expense of everyday working folks … like those in his district?
Here’s how it will go: Barr will turn down all invitations to debate, then finally agree to ONE debate, late in the election season – too late to make much difference. That’s the pattern (see: 2014).
As much as elected officials dislike debating, it is one of the ways we inform voters of who we are and what we stand for. Andy Barr owes it to his constituents, and to his opponent, to quit running from this responsibility.