Merkley Proposes Debates Across the State

Price of Gas, Worsening Economy Demand Serious Solutions

Oregon House Speaker Jeff Merkley, candidate for U.S. Senate, is proposing eight debates across the state with Republican Senator Gordon Smith. In a letter to Smith today Merkley wrote that his campaign is accepting invitations to five debates in Portland and Eugene and proposing additional debates in Bend, Medford, and Pendleton.

View the letter to Senator Smith.

"In rural and urban communities, Oregon families, workers, and businesses are struggling and the need for serious solutions has never been greater," said House Speaker Jeff Merkley. "Our nation is at a very critical point and democracy demands that we debate solutions to the challenges families face. I am sure you agree with me that the people of Oregon deserve a debate on the issues and the direction of the country, not a tiresome debate about debates."

The Merkley campaign is proposing the following debates:

1. Debate sponsored by KGW NewsChannel 8 and The Oregonian at KGW studios in Portland during the final week of October.
2. Debate sponsored by KATU News and Oregon's League of Minority Voters at Pacific University on October 5th at 5 p.m.
3. Debate sponsored by Oregon Business and Oregon Public Broadcasting at OPB Studios in early October.
4. Debate at the City Club of Portland on October 17th.
5. Debate sponsored by KEZI Channel 9 at KEZI studios in Eugene on October 9th at 7 p.m.
6. Debate in Pendleton that could be hosted by The East Oregonian and other local organizations.
7. Debate in Medford that could be hosted by The Medford Mail Tribune and other local organizations.
8. Debate in Bend that could be hosted by The Bend Bulletin and other local organizations.

In the letter, Merkley expressed that his campaign will be flexible about the dates for these debates should they conflict with the official U.S. Senate schedule.

Posted July 21, 2008
Press