But in the 12th Congressional District, Democratic Rep. John Barrow says challenger Lee Anderson is shunning them.
Anderson, a Republican state representative from Grovetown, hasn’t refused outright, but wants Barrow to jump through two hoops.
He’ll “consider” a debate if Barrow first discusses on TV his recent tepid endorsement of President Barack Obama.
And, if spokesman Ryan Mahoney adds, Barrow says on camera who he supports for Speaker of the House.
“Barrow,” Mahoney said, “… is incapable of telling the truth to voters … and doesn’t deserve a platform to further promote his empty campaign promises and tired political rhetoric.”
Although saying he’ll answer questions about Obama and his choice for speaker during a debate, Barrow rejects Anderson’s demands.
A debate proposed by the Statesboro Herald is on hold because of that impasse.
Barrow accepted, said Jim Healy, operations manager at the Herald, but Anderson insisted on the preconditions.
The same issue appears to be hindering talks about a televised forum in Augusta. …
Kerwin Swint, a Kennesaw State University political scientist, agreed.
“The candidate who thinks he has little to gain from debating is usually reluctant to,” he said. “Often that’s the incumbent, but
the 12th is a different district now.”
