Graves Criticizes Bachmann for Refusing Debates
Rep. Bachmann Participated in 15 Debates While Running For President, Refuses to Do 7 in Minnesota
(St. Cloud, MN.) – Businessman and Democratic Congressional Candidate Jim Graves wrote the following letter to his opponent, Rep. Michele Bachmann, criticizing her for refusing a series of seven debates after participating in 15 during her Presidential campaign. Graves called on Rep. Bachmann to put her constituents first and agree to the debates:
September 20, 2012
The Honorable Michele Bachmann
P.O. Box 25950
Woodbury, MN 55125
Rep. Bachmann:
2012 is an election of historic importance. Minnesota families are struggling and they are looking for leaders who can dig our government out of a serious fiscal and economic mess. They are looking for representatives who will strengthen the middle class and who have real-life experience creating jobs for Minnesotans.
You and I have two very different visions for America and of the responsibility that members of Congress owe to their constituents. I firmly believe that every voter in the Sixth Congressional District should have the opportunity to hear us debate those differences in person, so they can ask questions and be heard on issues specific to their individual concerns. I believe it is our responsibility to make ourselves available so voters can “kick the tires.”
That is why I was very troubled to learn that you are refusing my offer to hold seven debates – one for each county in the district. With 50 days remaining before Election Day, we have plenty of time to schedule these debates and I believe the benefit to voters should make this a priority of yours.
Rep. Bachmann, you found time to participate in 15 debates during your run for President. During that time you missed 320 votes over 40 days in which you were campaigning outside of Minnesota. You found a way to make yourself available for voters in Iowa and South Carolina and New Hampshire. And yet when it comes to your own constituents—the people who actually pay your salary—you refuse to give them the same time and attention.
I offer you the opportunity to change your mind and put your constituents first, for a change. Please, let us have a real conversation about the issues that matter to Minnesota families.
Sincerely,
Jim Graves
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For Immediate Release
September 20, 2012
Contact: Kate O’Reilly
612-465-9657
