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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