Libertarian Candidates seem to be a major thorn in the ass of the Republican Candidates. Take the
Tester/Burns/Jones debate where Libertarian Stan Jones openly talked about impeaching George Bush.
In a local forum here in Tempe, AZ, all the congressional and gubenatorial candidates showed up. The Libertarians got the biggest applause when they were hitting the Republicans on civil liberty, foreign policy, "War on drug", and immigration issues. Of course they looked foolish when they started talking about no regulations for corporations, abolishing the Dept. of Education and pretty much the entire US Government.
Well, the GOP fear of Libertarians is hitting John Kyl this week. Here are the details.
The first Debate between Jim Pederson and John Kyl is being held commercial free tonight on Channel 5 KPHO Phoenix at 4pm.
There are two other debates scheduled, one on Oct. 18 in Tucson and Oct. 20 in Flagstaff.
Details on the Tucson debate are up in the air a little according to Pederson's website. They claim Kyl is pulling out. Kyl claims it's a lie.
What is going on?
Here is Pederson's press release.
October 13, 2006
Kyl Pulls Out of Tucson Debate
Pederson accepts debate guidelines
Arizona business leader and U.S. Senate candidate Jim Pederson has accepted, and will accept, any rules described by Tucson television station KUAT for its upcoming debate and will be in Tucson on Wed, Oct. 18 to debate Sen. Jon Kyl. Jim has repeatedly said he would debate Kyl anytime and anywhere.
The campaign's understanding is that Kyl has pulled out of the debate, but Jim hopes he reconsiders. By bailing out of the event, Kyl is depriving the people of Pima County, indeed the people of Arizona, a chance to see the candidates side by side and hear their ideas to shape the future of this state and the country.
Here is Kyl's press release:
For Immediate Release
October 13, 2006
Pederson Continues Campaign of Lies
(PHOENIX--October 13, 2006)--Once again Jim Pederson's campaign has lied by issuing a press release claiming that "Kyl has pulled out of the debate in Tucson on Wednesday evening." Senator Kyl has not pulled out of the debate. Pederson's statement is an obvious effort to gain political advantage regardless of the facts.
The Kyl and Pederson campaigns reached a framework for debates that was negotiated and signed by the campaigns. Senator Kyl remains committed to debating in Tucson on Wednesday and has notified KUAT to that effect.
The Kyl campaign was informally notified this afternoon that the television station selected by the campaigns was not willing to move forward with the debate under the terms of the agreement both campaigns had signed. Senator Kyl advised the station he is willing to debate under terms that are acceptable to KUAT.
So what is the controversy? It's the stations fault?
KUAT sticks to its principles in Senate debate
By Josh Brodesky
arizona daily star
Tucson, Arizona | Published: 10.15.2006
Already excluded from today's Senate debate being moderated by Phoenix CBS affiliate KPHO, Libertarian Senate candidate Richard Mack was looking forward to squaring off with U.S. Sen. Jon Kyl and Democratic challenger Jim Pederson at a debate this Wednesday in Tucson.
But the debate nearly fell through Friday when sponsor KUAT insisted on ensuring a place for Mack, who has about 2 percent support in polls.
Pederson and Kyl had struck an agreement to debate only each other, which was spelled out in a memo to KUAT along with other requirements.
Staffers from the two campaigns said the candidates had made the agreement so voters could focus on the two leading candidates and where they stand on issues.
It seems to be the only point the two sides have agreed on this election cycle.
KUAT didn't budge, arguing that a true public forum on public television should have all three candidates.
The PBS affiliate even briefly canceled the debate until Kyl and Pederson agreed to include Mack.
"We have a sterling record of what we have done in the community with our political forums," said Bill Buckmaster, host of "Arizona Illustrated." "We cannot exclude a candidate, even if he is polling 2 percent."
The fact is that the libertarian candidate is going to pound Kyl on civil liberties/Patriot Act, huge deificits, foreign policy and immigration blunders. The Tucson market is not friendly to Kyl anyway but the press coming out of the debate will reach further than just southern AZ.
Liberatrian Candidates are wildcards that incumbents hate. Two party debates are much easier to manage.
Kyl is playing it safe especially after Democratic gains in polls across the country this week. The tide is turning and he is getting nervous.