Breazeale issues Debate Challenge to McIntyre

Will Breazeale Republican candidate for Congress in the NC 7 district has issued a challenge for a series of debates between himself and incumbent Mike McIntyre. The letter to McIntyre - in PDF format can be found here.

The text is as follows:

VIA CERTIFIED MAIL
27 May 2008
Dear Congressman McIntyre,
As you know, I am the Nominee of the Republican Party for U.S. Congress District 7-NC. I wanted to write to you for two reasons: to congratulate you on your recent re-nomination for U.S. Congress District 7-NC as the Nominee of the Democrat Party and to formally challenge you to a series of debates between now and Election Day on 4 November 2008.
Our country and Congressional District face very important issues such as our lagging economy with associated high gas and food prices, our inefficient and complicated tax system, the War in Iraq, Health Care and the illegal immigrant problem. Many people in our district are hurting and want answers from us, not political posturing. You have declined to debate ANY candidate running against you since you were originally elected in 1996.
You have stated to the media that “people know you so you do not need to debate.” The average person moves every five years in this country. As you know, our district experiences constant change every year from new people and businesses who I will submit do NOT know you. In fact, as I campaign around our district, I find the average person cannot even name you when asked who their Congressman is. It is clear, that in order to fully inform the people of this district on the issues so they can make an informed choice at the polls, we MUST debate! As a trial lawyer, you know the truth only comes out upon cross examination. It is time for you to give the people of this district a chance to cross examine our positions on issues that matter to them.
This brings me to the following proposal:
1. Agree to debate me in an open forum with allowances for TV, radio and print media coverage at least 4 times starting in July and continuing once per month until October. (July, August, September, October)
2. All debates should last 2 hours.
3. At least 2 debates should be in town hall format with questions from the audience.
4. At least 2 debates should allow open exchange between us.
5. No debate should happen twice in any county to ensure the entire district has a chance to see us in person.
Any other details can be worked out between our staffs. The contact person for my staff is George Bell, Campaign Manager, at 910-508-0537. I ask
your campaign to respond to this request no later than 15 June 2008 with an answer and/or counter offer. I urge your participation in the proposed debates.
Sincerely,
Will Breazeale
Republican Candidate for Congress
(Dist. 7-NC)