Saturday, May 3rd, 2008 (9:00 AM CDT) - Today, Ed Fallon said he is deeply concerned that Leonard Boswell declined The Des Moines Register/KCCI televised debate invitation. Fallon said, “Voters want to know how we plan to help them and where we differ on the issues. Refusing to debate is dismissive and a disservice to our voters. I again reiterate my willingness to participate in a public forum for the Register or anyone who makes a request.“
Fallon said his campaign received nine invitations to debates and forums and he accepted them all. Further, the Des Moines Register and KCCI offered Congressman Boswell three alternative dates to accommodate his schedule. “I have no doubt that if Congressman Boswell wanted to debate, he would find the time,” said Fallon. “What I find discourteous is his excuse that he is simply too busy. I don’t think a Congressman can be too busy for the voters.”
Fallon has made issues the centerpiece of his campaign and has encouraged Boswell to focus on issues instead of negative attacks.
“The only real issue I’ve heard Congressman Boswell address is his defense for voting to authorize the Iraq War,” said Fallon. “Other than that, he has focused his efforts and PAC-funded resources on the politics of deception and personal attacks. It seems the Congressman is no longer interested in listening to the concerns of Iowans or that he needs to present the case that he is best for the district. I believe Iowans don’t want a Washington D.C. insider who prefers to subvert the issues through non-disclosure and negative attacks. “
“After the unprecedented new-Democratic voter turnout at the Iowa Caucuses, we have a historic opportunity and responsibility to keep voters engaged. Refusing to participate in a public debate only serves to disenfranchise our new activated constituency, and frankly, I find it irresponsible,” says Fallon.
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