Laura Knaperek, Republican candidate for the 5th Congressional District in Arizona, has invited Harry Mitchell, the Democratic incumbent, to a series of debates.

 

 

I propose that over the next 90 days Rep. Mitchell and I conduct no fewer than five debates, co-hosted by my campaign and the Arizona Democratic Party to share with the voters where we stand on the issues.

It is my sincere hope that Rep. Mitchell will be receptive to your overtures and that we can agree on the terms of the debates and engage our fellow Americans.”

 

 

The Mitchell campaign responded with a resounding no. Are they afraid to confront the issues? Are they fearful that their candidate might be embarrassed onstage with Knaperek? It appears that is not the problem. A Mitchell spokesperson stated that Mitchell “looks forward to a vigorous debate with whomever his opponent is.”

 

That is the problem. There is still a Republican primary to select an opponent for Mitchell. As Democratic Party Spokesperson Emily DeRose put it,” This seems to be a cart-horse issue.”