Open Letter to Massachusetts Broadcast and Print Media Outlets
November 9, 2009Dear Media Outlet:
The special election December 8th primary to replace Edward M. Kennedy in the United States Senate is now less than one month away. As candidates for that office, we have been campaigning across Massachusetts communicating our vision for the future to the voters.
At the same time, we have been patiently waiting and hoping that the spirit of common civic interest that have produced televised statewide candidate debates in previously high-profile elections would materialize. For reasons that aren’t clear to us, such an effort has yet to gain momentum and unless something changes very quickly, the voters of Massachusetts will be robbed of the critical opportunity to see the candidates in this election debate.
We believe the people of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts deserve a minimum of two statewide televised debates. Thus far there have been none. We respectfully propose a debate be held in Western Massachusetts on November 20th, and a final debate be held at Faneuil Hall in Boston, on December 3rd or 4th. We believe both these debates should be shown to voters on a statewide basis.
To date there has been just one prime time television debate. Unfortunately for the voters, it wasn’t shown outside of the Boston media market and didn’t include questions from the media. In tribute to the Senate seat once held by John Quincy Adams, Daniel Webster, John and Edward Kennedy, we believe the people of Massachusetts deserve a more thorough understanding of the candidates’ views on the great many issues that face our nation.
As a sign of our commitment to make these debates a reality, our campaigns are willing to help pay for any reasonable production costs associated with holding the debates and putting them on television.
We hope you will join with us to provide Massachusetts’ voters the opportunity to take a good look at the Democratic primary candidates seeking to represent us in the United States Senate.
This is an historic election — an election to choose the successor to one of the greatest Senators in our country’s history. Edward M. Kennedy was the people’s Senator, and we believe the people of Massachusetts deserve the chance to see and hear exactly how the candidates for his seat will fulfill his legacy and lead Massachusetts forward.
Sincerely,
Alan Khazei
Steve Pagliuca
Certainly understand why the candidates with lower poll numbers are so vocal about having more time together but it should be mentioned that there have been many forums open to the press when they have all discussed the issues-often in much more depth than, certainly the last, official debate. Imagine it’s hard to find time that hasn’t already been committed at this late date. It’s a double edged sword to be the front runner.
Where there’s a will, there’s a way. Televised debates are important – open-press forums are great but are no substitute. Sorry, but she doesn’t get a pass on this one.
I would have advocated for a long campaign.
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p>Let the voters choose a candidate based on a thorough assessment of the candidates strengths and weaknesses. An abbreviated campaign period and limited debate is a disservice to the Commonwealth.
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p>Coakley should agree to one debate a week and win the election on the merit.