If you thought the whole point of a debate had to do with transparency, GOP Rep. Jackie Walorski, who currently represents Indiana’s 2nd Congressional District, apparently begs to differ. In the first and likely only debate to be held between Walorski and Democratic challenger Lynn Coleman, both reporters and the public were kept outside of the WKUZ Radio station where it was broadcast.
When WSBT local reporter Danielle Kennedy wondered why journalists where excluded from being able to watch or record the debate, Walorski suggested the format was previously agreed on by both candidates.
"Oh, I don't know. The campaign teams both worked this out, and that's what they decided on. I'll be right back, and I'll be happy to answer more questions after that,” Walorski said.
Coleman had a different take on the situation.
"Jackie (Walorski) continues to say that both sides agree to this, and that is not true. And when we asked her about it, she won't admit that that is not true,” he said. “And if she won't admit to that, what else will she not admit to that she's doing or not doing for the people of this district?"
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When reporters and the public were finally allowed to enter the venue following the debate, the GOP stealth candidate made a quick exit while Coleman stuck around to speak with reporters.
"We just want to tell people they that they have a choice,” Coleman said. “They get an opportunity to vote for the scripted, normal everyday political answers that they give them or somebody who really cares about who they are."
WSBT 22 also wanted to speak with Walorski, but when we told her staff that she suddenly left the room
So much for “I’ll be right back” to answer questions.