Friday, October 12, 2012

Frank Pallone Ignores League of Women Voters’ Debate Request


HIGHLANDS, NJ, October 12 – Incumbent Congressman Frank Pallone has failed to respond to a request from the League of Women Voters to attend a debate with Congressional Candidate Anna Little on October 28th.

"The voters in the Sixth District should not be ignored," said Little. "I am disappointed in Congressman Pallone's decision to avoid a debate. Because of redistricting, voters in the newly drawn Sixth Congressional District who were not previously represented by Congressman Pallone deserve the chance to see the candidates who are asking to represent them in Congress side-by-side discussing their perspectives on the critical problems we face in New Jersey and the nation. As an almost-24-year incumbent,” continued Little, “Congressman Pallone may feel as though he doesn't need to participate in the campaign process, but I believe that voters in the Sixth Congressional District should not be taken for granted."

When requested to participate in the debate, Little immediately and enthusiastically responded that she would attend. Little said that she is ready and willing to discuss the issues that are important to voters in the Sixth Congressional District: Jobs, the Economy, Taxes, and the Health Care Bill. Congressman Pallone has yet to respond. His failure to participate could cause the debate to be cancelled.

"I welcome the opportunity to debate the issues with the other candidates at any time and any place,” said Little. “I question Congressman Pallone's resistance to participate. Why is someone who was elected to represent the voters afraid to face the voters in a debate? New Jersey’s unemployment rate has climbed to 9.9 percent, the highest since 1977. Almost 10 percent of homeowners are 90 days or more behind on their mortgage payments, the second-worst delinquency rate in the nation. Voters cannot afford to be kept in the dark on economic issues any longer. It is time to face the voters and have an open and honest dialogue about the issues that concern them. I stand ready to debate Congressman Pallone and I urge him to join the rest of us in this important discussion.”

If Congressman Pallone does not respond in the affirmative, the league of Women Voters will cancel the debate. If that should happen, as long as the venue is still willing to host the debate, it will become an open town hall-style meeting. Candidates for the Republican and Democrat parties in congressional districts 4 and 12 were also invited to participate in the debate, but as only one of those four candidates has responded, the League of Women Voters has decided that as of yet there is no cause to hold the debate.

The debate is coordinated and sponsored by the League of Women Voters and will be held on October 28 from 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM at Temple Shalom of Aberdeen, 5 Ayrmont Lane at Church Street, Aberdeen, NJ 07747.

For more information about Anna Little for Congress, or to volunteer, please visit
www.annalittleforcongress.com.

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