I got CC’d in an email from Ernie Otten to Michael Larson (debate coordinator). It seems Otten is blaming Democrats for not wanting to get back to Larson about the dates available and not wanting to combine debates;

Michael, we thank you for taking the initiative to schedule this debate in Lennox.My Republican House candidates and I believe that setting a different precedent for this debate is neither fair nor even-handed to the constituents of Lennox.  Debates are already set up in Harrisburg and Tea that include all the District 6 House and Senate candidates for 90 minutes (and include the County Commissioners).

District 6 contains many busy families with young children.  In deference to them, and communicated in earlier emails, we’d agreed to one combined debate, for 90-minutes (formal or informal) in Lennox.  Busy, but interested families shouldn’t have to set aside two different school nights for separate debates when one 90-min format works well in Harrisburg and Tea.

Please work with the candidates on the Democratic ticket to choose one date for a combined House and Senate 90-min debate (either Sept 24th or Oct 2nd) as soon as possible. This gives District 6 constituents a choice of three dates to fit their schedules.

Regards,
Ernie

And as you can see he CC’d me and Cory Madville;

To: Michael.Larson@k12.sd.us
Cc: hermanottendist6@iw.net, isaac@latterellconsulting.com,

MJPoppens@gmail.com, “Joel Arends\”\” <joel@arendslaw.com>, rschriever@hotmail.com, joe306@iw.net, \”Cory Allen Heidelberger\” <coralhei@lakeherman.org>, \”Scott Ehrisman” <fb.art@sio.midco.net>

What is interesting about this is that Schriever’s and Weis’ email addresses, while listed, were not CC’d, just listed, not sure why? Would it be to bring the appearance that they were being contacted? Not sure?

Michael did respond to Otten;

Mr. Ernie Otten,

While I do not understand the refusal to allow for a debate format that would allow candidates to directly debate opponents, I believe that having something is better than having nothing.  The Democrats have stated that they would be willing to debate any format and to just let them know the date.  I am sure that they will be willing to accommodate to the schedule and format.  I will devise a new format that would incorporate up to six candidates on stage.  (Although, no one has heard from Michael Jauron, so I am under the assumption that he will not be attending.)  The only date that will work for a combined event is September 24.

I would appreciate if all candidates could send a quick e-mail notice to me to confirm that they will or will not be attending.  I have received no communications from either Michael Jauron or Isaac Latterell.  This will help me greatly in the planning process.

I would also like to personally invite the county commissioner candidates to the event.  I would like to introduce them to the crowd and allow for people to talk with them after the debates.

Sincerely, Michael Larson

Lennox High School