McMorris Rodgers sends letter to Brown about fall debates

Elena Gardner by Elena Gardner

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UPDATE: Lisa Brown released the following statement in response to McMorris Rodgers’ letter:

According to Brown, she had already accepted invitations from two of the three organizations McMorris Rodgers mentioned in her letter, and would be happy to accept a third when she receives it.

“I’m glad Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers has accepted three of the many requests for debates and open public forums that we have both received. As I’ve said before, I welcome any opportunity to have a conversation about the issues that matter to voters. We’ve already accepted invitations from Rotary 21 and GSI, and would be happy to hear from the Walla Walla Chamber as well.

“As I understand it, these are all member-only organizations. While I look forward to attending these, we also need to have debates that are open to the public and that you don’t have to be a member to attend.

“I also think it’s important that we have a debate on a college campus, and a televised debate for the entire district. I’ve accepted invitations that we’ve both received from SFCC for an on-campus debate, from KHQ and the Spokesman-Review for a televised debate, and from Spokane Coalition of Color. I hope that you will accept those, as well.”

Republican Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers is challenging her Democratic opponent to three debates in the month of October.

McMorris Rodgers sent the following letter to Lisa Brown regarding the debates:

Dear Lisa:

It is a great honor and responsibility to represent the people of Eastern Washington. Thank you for stepping up to the challenge along with me, and congratulations on moving on to the General Election.

We should work together to ensure that the voters have a chance to hear each other’s views on the important challenges faced by Eastern Washington and the nation.

As you are aware, I have participated in debates with my opponents every election cycle since I have been in office.This year will be no different. I hope you will be able to participate in three debates: two in Spokane and one in Walla Walla after October 12, 2018, when the House is scheduled to be adjourned for the election, and before October 30, 2018, so voters still have time to hear our differing positions.

Following invitations from these groups, I have accepted invitations for debates with the Spokane Rotary 21, Greater Spokane Incorporated, and the Walla Walla Valley Chamber of Commerce. I hope you agree these groups provide forums that allow large in-person attendance, fair moderators, and an audience via television, internet, or radio.

I welcome the chance for a full, civil discussion of the issues and look forward to debating you this fall. Politics is the battle of ideas, and I’m proud to be running to restore trust and confidence in representative government and the rule of law. I hope with this campaign we can set an example of how we can disagree on public issues while still respecting one another, and perhaps even finding areas of common ground in support of making Eastern Washington a stronger, more unified, and more prosperous community.

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