Why Won't My Opponent Agree to a Debate?

I am running for the seat of State Representative of the 67^th District. I strongly believe that the voters have a right to hear the candidates debate in a public, nonpartisan forum. Unfortunately, my opponent, Pete Beck, does not agree and thus far has refused to debate with me and the Libertarian candidate on the ticket, Robert Waters. Mr. Beck is technically the incumbent. He was appointed to the seat by the moderate higher-ups in the Republican party one year ago. He has never been voted into the position by the people of Warren County, and many conservative Republicans and Tea Party members don’t support his candidacy. 

It appears that my opponent is afraid to debate me, for fear of losing ground in what he assumes will be an easy victory. Since serving as your state representative, my opponent has not introduced one bill to the Ohio House of Representatives, nor has he initiated any changes that would bring jobs to our local economy. He has simply rested on his Republican laurels, and now takes the seat for granted by virtue of his party label.

Is that what the people of Warren County want? Don’t you want to hear the candidates engage in a vigorous debate on the issues that affect your daily lives: jobs, taxes, and excessive government spending?

Only through a debate can I prove to the people of Warren County that I am the best candidate on the ticket. Yes, I am a Democrat, but you will be surprised that my fiscal views are actually more conservative than Mr. Beck’s views. I am also pro-life, and support gun owners freedoms under the Second Amendment. As an attorney who frequently argues issues in court, I am confident that I can convince the voters of my competence and integrity. As your state representative, I will aggressively work to bring jobs to this county and not raise taxes. However, I cannot convince you unless Mr. Beck stops running from me and agrees to debate in the name of true  Democracy.

It also appears that Mr. Beck is reluctant to debate with Mr. Waters, a charismatic Libertarian who attends local Tea Party meetings and appeals to the conservative Tea Party base. The electorate is understandably wary of partisan labels. Voters want to elect the best person for the job, regardless of label. That’s why the Tea Party has surged in popularity. I urge you to contact Mr. Beck and demand a debate. You are hiring the candidate to work for you, and you have a right to interview each one for the job.