Green candidate slams Gov. for ducking debate

“The people of this state deserve to have a public forum,” said Whitney. “That’s what should happen in a democracy.”

Green candidate slams Gov. for ducking debate: Tuesday, October, 10, 2006 

By Kurt Erickson
kurt.erickson@lee.net

SPRINGFIELD — With little money to buy airtime to boost his still-low profile, Green Party gubernatorial candidate Rich Whitney slammed Gov. Rod Blagojevich on Tuesday for ducking out on a series of debates.

Whitney, a Carbondale attorney, acknowledged that his participation in a debate could boost his name recognition among voters. But, he also said a lack of debates between him, Blagojevich and Republican Judy Baar Topinka hurts voters.

“The people of this state deserve to have a public forum,” said Whitney. “That’s what should happen in a democracy.”

Whitney’s comments came after efforts to schedule more gubernatorial debates fell apart over the weekend. Blagojevich and Topinka faced off in Decatur 10 days ago, but that apparently will be their lone joint appearance before voters go to the polls on Nov. 7.

The two had been expected to debate in Southern Illinois, Chicago, Champaign and, possibly, Springfield, but the two major campaigns couldn’t come to an agreement on a schedule.

“This is ridiculous and I think the people of Illinois realize its ridiculous,” Whitney said.

Whitney, meanwhile, said he has produced a television advertisement, but he does not have enough money in his campaign account to get the 30-second spot on the air.

In a stop at the State Capitol, Whitney told reporters that the ad may soon begin running on cable television outlets. The subject of the ad: School funding.

Copyright © 2006, Pantagraph Publishing Co. and Lee Enterprises.