Lack of debates is worthy of debate

The State Journal-Register: “I am issuing an unconditional challenge to the other two candidates in this race to debate me at the time and place of their choosing singly or together as long as I have 24 hours notice and the terms of the debate are fair and equal for each candidate,” said Whitney.

 The State Journal-Register: http://www.sj-r.com/

Our Opinion

Lack of debates is worthy of debate: Published Wednesday, October 11, 2006

Is it possible that in a state as large and diverse as Illinois that only a single gubernatorial debate will be held?

Not only is it possible. It’s probable. And it’s got Green Party candidate Rich Whitney so mad, he’s pretty much calling Gov. Blagojevich a sissy. While Blagojevich debated his Republican opponent Treasurer Judy Baar Topinka recently in Decatur, the governor backed away from two other debates that would have included Whitney. (The first one did not.)

“The pattern, and the conclusion to be drawn, is clear; Rod Blagojevich is afraid to debate me, and he is trying to hide behind Judy Baar Topinka’s skirt, and blame her, for his response of cutting and running. That is why, on the two occasions on which he has scuttled previously agreed to debates, he has arrogantly refused to provide any explanation to the debate sponsors or to the people of this state,” said Whitney.

Wow, governor! Are you going to take that? Are you afraid of a Green guy? Hiding behind Judy’s skirt? Cutting and running? Those are fighting words! You can’t legally duel in Illinois anymore, but that calls for at least a debate or two, doesn’t it?

Seriously, it is a bit perplexing that Illinois voters may end up having just a single chance to hear any form of gubernatorial debate this year. And that one debate was on select radio stations around the state for a bit less than an hour on a Monday night. Not to disrespect the Illinois Radio Network, but we doubt the audience for that event was in the millions.

Blagojevich has backed away from commitments to debate. That’s wrong. The state he governs deserves better.

However, from a purely cynical political view, we can understand why Blagojevich is not eager to accept debates. The gold doubloons continue to cascade from his war chest, and he can continue to televise his message - without a counterpoint from his opponents - right up to Election Day.

We aren’t saying we condone the governor’s reluctance to debate. We simply can understand it more than his opponent’s reluctance. Unlike Blagojevich, Topinka does not have a bottomless well of campaign dollars. She needs to get her message out - inexpensively where possible.

It would seem to make a lot of sense for Topinka to accept just about any debate that is offered. Yet, she has not shown much gusto for verbal combat. Last Friday, Blagojevich’s campaign sent the Topinka camp its final debate offer - one on Oct. 13 on WVON, a black-oriented Chicago radio station, and one on Oct. 15 in southern Illinois.

“Please respond by 10 a.m. on Monday, October 9, or we will assume that Treasurer Topinka no longer wishes to debate,” read the message. Blagojevich campaign spokesperson Sheila Nix said Topinka never responded.

Call him a cockeyed optimist if you will, but the Green Party’s Whitney isn’t giving up just yet.

“I am issuing an unconditional challenge to the other two candidates in this race to debate me at the time and place of their choosing singly or together as long as I have 24 hours notice and the terms of the debate are fair and equal for each candidate,” said Whitney.

Whitney probably won’t win this battle or the war, but that doesn’t make him any less right. Topinka and Blagojevich are seasoned politicians and public servants. They should start acting like it and stop acting so afraid to address the public.

© The State Journal-Register