Now, whether or not Roy Blunt debates Jim Newberry, many people are starting to see that our current Congressman does not represent us here in SW Missorui (MO-7).
This editorial appeared in todays Sunday edition of the Springfield News-Leader.
http://springfield.news-leader.com/opinions/ourview/0905-RoyBluntsf-171702.html
Published September 5, 2004
Roy Blunt's foot-dragging on debate ill serves voters
of district
Come on, Roy, commit to a debate.
Drury University has offered two invitations to Rep.
Roy Blunt and his Democratic challenger, attorney Jim
Newberry.
Robin Miller, the university's director of
convocations, says she hasn't received an answer to
either invitation. She learned through news reports
that Blunt was turning down the first date offered. So
she sent another letter offering six more dates, all
Fridays and Saturdays in September and early October.
These are not days Congress is usually in session.
They are days Blunt has used to campaign for GOP
candidates in other states.
Campaign spokesman Miles Ross says Blunt's "first
priority is serving the people of the 7th District.
That takes precedence over anything political."
We understand Blunt's reluctance to debate. He has
nothing to gain. The potential benefits are to his
opponent -- and to voters who are better served by
seeing candidates side by side.
This shouldn't frighten Blunt. He is the odds-on
favorite in this race. He has plenty of support
throughout this district.
But if his first priority is serving the people of the
7th District, he will bypass one trip to help a
candidate elsewhere and commit to a debate in front of
his constituents.