Still, it is noteworthy that the candidates have been unable to agree on joint appearances before various groups, let alone actual “debates.”
Art Robinson, the Republican making his second run at Congressman Peter DeFazio, wants debates between the two candidates with only a timekeeper. DeFazio prefers the more usual forum put on by groups like chambers of commerce or the League of Women Voters, where candidates take turns responding to questions from a moderator.
Robinson made DeFazio an offer: You attend an occasion chosen by me, and I’ll attend one chosen by you.
DeFazio didn’t bite, partly on the grounds that Robinson’s proposed events are before “partisan” groups — the “Coos County Americans for Prosperity,” the “Brookings Tea Party” and “conservative radio host” Lars Larson.
“These would not be impartial debates,” DeFazio’s campaign said in a press release last week. “No credible candidate at any level would attend a debate sponsored by an organization that has endorsed or openly supports their opponent.”
But candidates routinely appear before groups that have endorsed their opponents in the past and will do so again. Remember Romney before the NAACP?
