Barden calls for eight debates
Republican Attorney General candidate Chris Barden is calling on Democratic incumbent Lori Swanson to debate his eight times. Barden told reporters that he wants to have eight debates - one in each congressional district in Minnesota - between now and Election Day. Barden says the debate will give the public an opportunity to learn the differences between the two candidates.
Barden said his top priorities are suing to stop the federal health law, working to institute photo identification at the polls and making Minnesota's business climate more friendly. Barden says he would join a lawsuit filed by other attorneys general challenging the constitutionality of the federal health law. He also said he would lobby the Legislature to pass a law that requires photo identification at the polling place. Barden also said he would work to be an advocate for consumers and businesses if he's elected. He argues Swanson has been too focused on consumer issues at the expense of business.
Barden says the only debate that is currently scheduled is a KSTP-TV/League of Women Voters debate on October 16th.
I'm checking to see whether Swanson has agreed to appear at the KSTP-TV debate or any other debates.
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Update:
Here's a response from Brian Bergson, with Swanson's campaign:
"AG Swanson is tending to the office's legal work, and hasn't yet seen Dr. Barden's political correspondence. She will participate in a debate sponsored by KSTP 5/League of Women Voters, but details and scheduling still need to be worked out."