Dear Editor,
Congressman Rod Blum recently announced a proposal for ten debates with his opponent, Monica Vernon, before the Nov. 8 election. This is an important election, and Iowans deserve to hear from the candidates themselves when it comes to the issues that will impact their lives. I appreciate the Congressman’s willingness to participate in meaningful debates.
Mrs. Vernon insists that just two debates, one in each of the candidates’ home towns (Cedar Rapids and Dubuque) will be more than enough. Congressman Blum has compromised and offered to participate in six debates. As a resident of Vinton, I am disappointed that Mrs. Vernon stubbornly refuses to compromise. In effect, she is preventing residents from most counties in the 1st district from attending one of the debates in person.
Why won’t Vernon debate in Benton County? If she doesn’t have enough courage to debate in rural communities often overlooked by D.C. politicians, how will she ever stand up to special interests or her own political party in Washington? Moreover, if she can’t be bothered to hear from the citizens all across the 1st district BEFORE the election, how could we trust her to hear from us if she is elected?
Sincerely,
Bethany Gates, Vinton
Comments
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FYI, while the Vernon/Blum debates are getting worked out, to make the statement that Monica Vernon does not want to debate the issues in rural counties such as Benton is false. On April 29, Monica Vernon and Pat Murphy appeared in Vinton at the Braille school to debate the issues for the primary. On May 13 the two were together for a forum in Tama. I know that there was another forums earlier in Anamosa and Dubuque. I organized the event in Vinton and attended both forums in Vinton and Tama.
I have not seen Blum at all. When was he last time he was in the county? Blum first suggested 10 debates which is a bit obsessive and not usually what the incumbent requests. The last time I heard anything about the number it was up to 3. Before getting all excited, why don\'t you wait until the debates are scheduled before complaining.
Also Congressional debates often are in larger communities where TV is readily available and since Waterloo, Cedar Rapids, and Dubuque all in our district and all with TV stations, the debates will probably be in those communities. Last time I looked Benton Co. does not have a TV station.
With so many issues concerning Iowans, your comments seem insignificant and shows lack of confidence that Blum can retain his seat and stand on his record without debating his opponent.