Just a few weeks ago my opponent, incumbent Congresswoman Jahana Hayes, told a group of supporters, as reported by the Waterbury Republican American, that she would participate in several debates. Sadly, as of this writing, Congresswoman Hayes has not accepted a single invitation.
While frustrating, it comes as no surprise, given the incumbent’s failure to compromise as a legislator and her unwillingness to work across the aisle. In Congress, the incumbent has been ranked the most partisan member of Connecticut’s congressional delegation, and out of all four hundred thirty five members of Congress, only 29 are more partisan than she. This ranking was released by the nonpartisan Lugar Center and the Georgetown University McCourt School of Public Policy. In their explanation of the rankings, the Lugar Center said
“The Bipartisan Index quantifies how often members of Congress introduce bills that attract co-sponsors from the other party, and how often they in turn co-sponsor a bill introduced from across the aisle. The results showed an intensely partisan Congress.”
According to Maria Cancian, dean of the McCourt School of Public Policy, “in these deeply divided times, and with an increasing amount of misleading information online, we need tools like the Bipartisan Index more than ever – an evidence-based and nonpartisan approach for measuring how well policymakers work across the aisle to get things done.”
As a candidate, debates are central to allow the public to hear not only where you stand on issues, but most importantly learn a little about your character. As a legislator, debates are critical to vetting issues and shaping legislation. Debates are critical to protecting a healthy democracy, which is why I say yes.
Each and every day residents in communities across our district confront immense challenges. Whether it’s stocking up on groceries, paying the rent or mortgage, finding a well paying job or feeling safe in their own neighborhood, there are issues Congress must work together to address. The voters deserve a healthy, respectful discussion about how Congress can alleviate the heavy burden being placed on American families.
If you’re not willing to come to the table and debate the issues in a campaign, how can voters trust you to go to Washington and serve their interest in Congress?
Our campaign has accepted each and every opportunity to have a healthy discussion and debate the issues at hand, and we are hopeful that the incumbent will agree to join those sponsors who have offered us a forum for discussion. Thus far, we have accepted forum and debate invitations from WTNH News 8, NBC Connecticut & Telemundo, WFSB Channel 3, and AARP Connecticut among others.
In the absence of debates, my campaign will host a series of issue forums and town halls throughout the district. A vital part of our democracy is a healthy and civil exchange of ideas between candidates. I am anxious to hold up my end of the deal and talk to voters at their door, and in the community.
George Logan is the Republican candidate for U.S. Congress in Connecticut’s 5th District. |
