UPDATE: Okay, sometimes Detroit gets it wrong. Sorry, I apologize to both candidates and the debate organizer. Apparently there is many conflicting schedules in the debates being proposed. Thanks for clarification from the debate organizer. I do stand by my words though about debating your opponent, and feel it is important. I also put this information out there for these reasons, to get the RIGHT story.

Otten and Schriever, Senate candidates for District 6

From a South DaCola foot soldier;

Lennox HS debate coach has been attempting to put together public debates between District 6 candidates.  He has set them up as two sessions; one, between the four House candidates and the other, between the two Senate candidates. One of the Senate candidates (Ernie Otten) is resisting this – wanting to have all 6 candidates at one time. The debate coordinator feels this would muddy the comparisons between candidates.  Rumor has it Otten has also been using conflict with high school sports season as a reason to reject various dates.

So why doesn’t Otten want a one-on-one with Schriever? If I was Otten I would leap at the opportunity to challenge my opponent one-on-one. Not only would you get more time to argue your case, you can clearly set yourself a part from your opponent. I wonder what Rich thinks of the whole matter?

7 Thoughts on “UPDATED: District 6 Debate Debacle

  1. I want to be very clear about this. As a person trying to establish a non-biased and open debate that would further the market place of ideas and all for the voters of District 6 to have an opportunity to gain information before the election, this type of “reporting” is very harmful.

    I have received dates available for the possible debates from Mr. Otten. He is one of two people to have responded to my requests. The other is a candidate for the house debate. I would not characterize that as a dodge.

    He has express some concerns about doing what would be best to allow people to see the candidates. The rumor that he has been using sports dates to avoid the debate are not supported by what is trying to be set up for the Lennox debates. I have been forced to work around the sporting calendar since it would significantly get in the way of holding the debates.

  2. Mike – thanks for the clarification. So what you are saying is that you have the conflicts not the candidates?

  3. Thank you for clearing up. In District 6 it appears that past debates that have been held have involved all the house and senate candidates and sometimes other level of government candidates. I will be talking to those with experience in setting up debates in this area for guidance.

    I and the school have many conflicts with activities. The debate will be held in our cafeteria and if there is a home volleyball game or football game, then it would pointless to conflict with these activities. With that said, I have now heard from three of the six candidates involved about finding dates and it looks like there will be a few that will work. By tomorrow I will be contacting the candidates with some dates.

  4. Mike – No offense to you or the candidates, but I am often baffled by people who are running for office using ‘family’ as an excuse for why they cannot make a debate. I often ask the question, “Are you running for office for your own self-interest or to better society? If you are running to better society, your family will understand if you miss Wednesday night mass or your 5th grader’s soccer game to partake in a debate. And by all means, they should be there rooting for you. I just find it hard to believe a Lennox resident has that full of an agenda.

  5. I didn’t ask for their reasons why this date works or doesn’t work. I just asked for dates that would work. I think that the bothersome issue is that people don’t attend debates or political events or try to become informed on political issues. It is very easy to find an excuse not to go to a political debate. (Sadly enough).

  6. Testor15 on August 29, 2012 at 7:14 pm said:

    Even is the debate was held on television dropped into their living rooms, the average viewer would switch channels. Good luck Mike!

  7. That’s why I got rid of cable all together.

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