The debate debate
Monday, Oct 9, 2006 - Posted by Rich Miller
The chances for more debates aren’t all that great.
Debates have been few in this year’s race for Illinois governor — and despite rhetoric from each side blaming the other, there appears to be little chance of reaching agreement foe debates beyond the two that have already taken place. […]
Republican candidate Judy Baar Topinka Saturday accused incumbent Gov. Rod Blagojevich of trying to win the election by running “fancy'’ television ads instead of debating the issues, but Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s campaign staff contends the opposite is true.
“The governor, I think, is just running the clock,” Topinka told WBBM. “He hides from me. He won’t debate me. He won’t talk to the public.” […]
Told of Topinka’s accusations, Nix told WBBM, “That’s simply not the case. We’ve been going back and forth with them for probably the last six weeks…we’ve heard from people out there who have said she would debate us any time, anywhere and any place.”
Late last week, Gov. Blagojevich issued an ultimatum: accept a Chicago radio debate and a televised downstate debate or there will be no debates. Topinka responded by blaming everything on the governor and held out hope for several more debates. From a press release:
“Treasurer Topinka is ready to debate,” added [spokesman John] McGovern. “With the Chicago Tribune and the Springfield sponsors offering specific dates for their debates, it is easier to simply accept their invitations rather than waiting for more disingenuous back-and-forth from Rod Blagojevich. We also remain committed to the WTTW debate, and I’m sorry to see that, once again, Rod Blagojevich won’t keep his word.”
The Topinka campaign also expressed hope that a debate could be scheduled on WVON radio and in southern Illinois, despite Blagojevich’s rejection of agreed-upon working dates. The campaign lamented the cancelling of debates in Rockford and with the Associated Press editors, because of Blagojevich’s stalling tactics.
“Now we know why Democratic legislators require Rod Blagojevich to sign Memoranda of Understanding (”MOUs”). He refuses to negotiate in ‘good faith’,” said McGovern.
- RickG - Monday, Oct 9, 06 @ 10:01 am:
Haven’t seen it, but am told Topinka’s people just put out a press release offering a debate “compromise”.
- wndycty - Monday, Oct 9, 06 @ 10:32 am:
I can’t imagine that “Sistah” Judy would pass up a chance to debate on WVON-AM. She needs to reach out the African American community, what better way to do it than this? If Tony Peraica appeared on WVON-AM.
- Gregor - Monday, Oct 9, 06 @ 11:09 am:
Rod knows any more debates would only help Judy. He is going to do anything and everything to avoid another chance for him to self-destruct in front of the voters, and he’s going to lie and make excuses right up to election day. Such a brave guy, if he does debate, he’ll probably insist he be holding little Annie in his arms the whole time.
- Little Egypt - Monday, Oct 9, 06 @ 11:33 am:
“The governor, I think, is just running the clock,†Topinka told WBBM. “He hides from me. He won’t debate me. He won’t talk to the public.â€
Told of Topinka’s accusations, NIX TOLD WBBM, “That’s simply not the case.
Get it folks - Rod runs from the press and NIX denies it. Get it, huh? He can’t even come back with his own denials. I thought someone was posting a joke but I’m waiting for the punchline. This governor used to be a real joke, then a thorn in my side. Now I just want to puke everytime I think he will get 4 more years. And to all of you who are supporting him. Be careful what you ask for - you may just get it.
- Huh? - Monday, Oct 9, 06 @ 12:56 pm:
I think that this is a telling quote: “Now we know why Democratic legislators require Rod Blagojevich to sign Memoranda of Understanding (â€MOUsâ€). He refuses to negotiate in ‘good faith’,â€
- Levois - Monday, Oct 9, 06 @ 1:08 pm:
A debate on WVON sounds good and Topinka who seems to have no problem going into a black community would definitely show up. Just like her fellow Republican Tony Peraica.
- Wumpus - Monday, Oct 9, 06 @ 1:18 pm:
Wow, looks like Dems are chickens in IL State/local races. Roddy is hiding from any questions. I would too after that abysmal q&A session that was blasted on youtube. And Toddler is afraid to go on WLS. They are kinda like our own blogger, Yellow Dog Democrat…except leave out the “dog”.
- Establishment Republican - Monday, Oct 9, 06 @ 4:11 pm:
If Blago went on WVON, you know he would tell the same joke about the little black girl mistaking him for Mayor Daley.
- wndycty - Monday, Oct 9, 06 @ 5:00 pm:
And I wonder how the WVON audience will react to Judy declaring herself a “Sistah” LOL what an out of touch JOKE!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wf65qC8Pmtg