Posted on 02/05/2005 10:46:40 AM PST by NormsRevenge
Doris Matsui will not debate her opponents in the congressional race to replace her late husband despite saying last week she intended to do so.
The decision by the Democratic front-runner sparked criticism Friday among her opponents, several of whom have been calling for public debates leading up to the March 8 special election to replace the late Rep. Robert Matsui.
Nick Papas, a spokesman for Doris Matsui, said there are too many candidates - 12 in all - to have a useful forum on the issues. Instead, Matsui plans to hold a series of town hall meetings throughout the Sacramento-based district.
"Mrs. Matsui will take her case directly to the voters in forums that result in a meaningful discussion of the issues," Papas said. "A debate between 12 candidates simply isn't practical."
But Matsui's opponents immediately denounced the move as an attempt by the leading candidate to stifle the democratic process and prevent a full examination of her views.
"I think that by Doris Matsui refusing to debate, it indicates she might not have the right answers," said John Thomas Flynn, a Republican technology expert and former appointee to the Reagan administration. "I was pleasantly surprised when I heard initial indications that she would have debates, but now her handlers don't think it's the right thing to do."
Flynn issued several calls for debates this week, proposing a schedule with five different forums with the candidates.
A trio of anti-war candidates on Tuesday also demanded that Matsui debate them on the Iraqi conflict and questioned her stance on the issue.
One of those candidates, Democrat Julie Padilla, dean of the Lorenzo Patino School of Law, said Matsui's refusal to debate "shows a lack of respect for the people."
(Excerpt) Read more at sacbee.com ...
I have never figured out why DemonRAT spouses are always considered the logical replacement for a dead legislator. Could it be they go for the sympathy vote, instead of someone capable of doing the job? Or is it the money? Can the spouse just take over all the campaign funds without any oversight?
Can we please just ban spousal caretaker seats? this is not a monarchy. Spuses and children ought to be banned from running for a deceased's seat for one term.
Doris Matsui will win with an overwhelming majority of votes, a la Jean Carnahan. Sympathy votes.
Both parties, Republican and Democrat, should pass a rule that disqualifies the spouse of any elected person to assume, be nominated or run for election of their deceased, while in office, spouses position. If they want to run as an independent, they are free to do so. I'm tired of dead senators wives keeping the seat warm for either party.
I must confess that many years ago when I lived in Sacramento I knew Bob Matsui pretty well. We were in the "Active 20-30 Club" together. Which means we saw each other more than twice a month and talked many times over cocktails. I even met Mrs. Matsui socially. The Matsui's were very friendly and down to earth people. I was deeply saddened when I learned about the Congressman's death. Back then, he looked younger than most of the men in the club.
The idea is stupid, and as in this case, you end up with something worse than before....don't we have enough problems with wives of far-leftists in Washington???
We both agree. You posted while I was composing. The practice of a relative "inheriting" their deceased seat is obnoxious to the Republic.
Yes, we always do. I can't think of an instance where the spouse or adult children have not been worse than the dead, when they were alive.
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