On Monday, the Morris County Democratic Committee publicly called for organizing debates for candidates seeking municipal and county office in forums sponsored by the nonprofit Corporation for New Jersey Local Media (CNJLM).
The offer was made after the Republican County Committee Chair announced their endorsed candidates were not allowed to participate in debates hosted by the nonpartisan League of Women Voters.
The Republicans slammed the League for “advocating for progressive, leftists causes.” Since when is voter education a leftist cause?
With a host of debates subsequently canceled by the League, we took the initiative and reached out to CNJLM to provide an alternative venue for all candidates to debate. We would rather seek a different forum, than not have any debates. It’s unfair to the residents of Morris County.
Morris County Democratic Committee Chair, Amalia Duarte said, “It’s a real disservice to voters when candidates refuse to debate. It’s a long-held tradition in American politics to help voters make decisions on whom to support. We really hope this solution is accepted.”
Our Democratic candidates welcome the chance to debate. We hope the Republicans, in particular incumbent office holders and former office holders, agree to use the nonprofit as moderators.
