Case, Hirono Camp Debate Debates
Capitol Watch reports:
With the news over the weekend that Oahu Democrats have indefinitely postponed a debate between Mazie Hirono and Ed Case — it had been sent for Thursday (May 24) on Olelo Community Media— the top Democratic primary candidates responded.
Case said he and Hirono should debate anyway.
Excerpts:
You have refused most debate/joint appearance invitations, including four statewide television debates, any debate at our upcoming Democratic Party of Hawai’i state convention, and, most recently, a Senate forum with the Honolulu Japanese Chamber of Commerce. …
Let’s debate Thursday evening anyway. We both have the date and time set aside. I’m sure we can secure a good location for the first debate in this critical election in no time. I’m sure we can work out the rest of the logistics in short order.
To make it easy for you, I’ll agree to any reasonable host or facilitator, and to any reasonable format, you propose. My only requirement is what I’ve asked for all of our debates: that it be fully accessible to the public and media. …
If you decline, then I urge you to change your mind about not debating me at our state Democratic convention. As you know, our Congressional District 2 candidates are debating Saturday evening and I’m sure our party would still welcome the same from us.
Betsy Lin, Hirono’s campaign manager, responded thusly:
In a misleading email blast former Congressman Case implies that the forum has been cancelled. It has not. And contrary to Rep. Case’s contention, the State Party never extended an invitation to debate at the State Convention.
The chair of the Oahu County Democrats requested additional time to work out logistical issues regarding the debate, and we have agreed to participate when these issues are resolved.
Congresswoman Hirono respects the decision of the Oahu County Democrats to reschedule this moderated discussion. We look forward to it and our four other diverse and statewide debate opportunities.
