Posted at Poli-Tea:
In the race leading up to the special election for US Senate in Massachusetts, the structure of the contest’s upcoming debates has become a point of contention between Democrat Martha Coakley and Republican Scott Brown. The Boston Globe reports:
Coakley, the state’s attorney general, said she is reluctant to participate in any debates that do not include a little-known independent candidate, Joseph L. Kennedy. Most of the invitations Brown accepted are for debates that do not include Kennedy; six are scheduled during a nine-day period, and most are sponsored by media outlets.
Joe Kennedy is an independent libertarian and gathered the necessary petition signatures to qualify for ballot access last month. For his part, Kennedy is eager to confront Coakley and Brown in any and all debates. As noted by The Senator at Kennedy Seat, who is following this race very closely, the Brown campaign has now effectively “shifted the onus to the various debate sponsors.” But the Boston Globe article above quotes Coakley saying:
“It shouldn’t be two people in some debates, three in other debates,’’ she added. “I think everybody should be included, and I think we’re going to hold pretty firm on that.’’
[…] Joe Kennedy has found an unlikely ally in the Democratic candidate. The question remains as to how debate sponsors will react to these developments. As it is in their best interests to do so, the people of Massachusetts should demand the inclusion of voices independent of the Democratic-Republican duopoly system of government.
Some recent New England Cable News reports
Paulie’s right. Besides, such “fiery rhetoric” is nothing for a race like this in MA. Politics is blood sport here.
Actually, that’s the best reason to be included in debates. If the Republicans and Democrats truly represented “both” sides of the argument, there would be no need for alternative and independent candidates.
What I’ve read from Joe Kennedy recently, he seems to be really pressing his luck, calling Democrats and Republicans two sides to the same coin and all. Not that fiery rhetoric denouncing the two party plutocracy isn’t always fun, but don’t do it when you’re asking for a ticket to the debates.