Rep. Markey refusing to debate Gardner

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by: Libertad

Shocking news from CD4 comes with a last minute announcement from the Congressman to refuse a debate with challenger Cory Gardner.

Under terms calling for a polling threshold 50% lower then Presidential debates require, ACP and other candidates were not invited. Yet these same terms existed in 2008 for the debate sponsored by 9News & The Coloradoan.

Republican Gardner was saddened by Markey’s late refusal to address the voters.

Gardner’s campaign spokeswoman, Rachel Boxer, expressed disappointment that the debate had been canceled.

“Debates are an important part of the process and help voters make informed decisions,” Boxer said. “That’s why it is a shame that this debate is being canceled because Betsy Markey has dug in her heels and won’t agree to the ground rules set forth by 9News and the Coloradoan.”

Similarly shocked the sponsors had this to say…

“We are absolutely surprised that an important debate between the leading candidates for the 4th Congressional District is being cancelled because Rep. Betsy Markey is trying to change the debate policy that has been in place at KUSA-TV for dozens of years,” Dennis said.

“These debates are intended to give the voters a chance to listen to the leading candidates propose and defend their positions in representative government. The debates are not intended to let the candidates dictate the content or the format. The televised format is immediate, informative and the best way to serve the constituents of the 4th District,” she said.

Coloradoan President and Publisher Kim Wilson said: “It is very unfortunate that Rep. Betsy Markey is unwilling to participate in what was sure to be an informative dialogue between the two leading candidates in the 4th Congressional District. In the end, it’s the voters who lose out when this type of decision is made.”

9 thoughts on “Rep. Markey refusing to debate Gardner”

Gray in Mountains says:

September 16, 2010 at 5:13 pm

Gardner refused.

It is disappointing to have it cancelled. Gardner should rethink his opposition to these debates. The voters need info and one prime method is to include everyone who has made the ballot. Gardner ought consider the future. In 2 years it is likely the GOP would be a minority party and under his rules he would not be allowed to be in the debate if he is a candidate then.

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1. Libertad says:
  
  September 16, 2010 at 8:19 pm
  
  Coloradoan President and Publisher Kim Wilson said: “It is very unfortunate that Rep. Betsy Markey is unwilling to participate in what was sure to be an informative dialogue between the two leading candidates in the 4th Congressional District. In the end, it’s the voters who lose out when this type of decision is made.“
  
  Why won’t the Congressman defend votes FOR Cap and Trade, Banking bill, Obamacare, Bailouts, and Tax Hikes?
  
  I know I’m interested in hearing much more about how these diversions of private capital, increases in government regulation and other programs of ‘change’ are helping put COloradans to work.
  
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sxp151 says:

September 16, 2010 at 8:18 pm

It’s 33% lower.

15 is 50% more than 10, but 10 is 33% less than 15.

You’re welcome.

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1. Libertad says:
  
  September 16, 2010 at 8:44 pm
  
  The polling threshold for Presidential debates is at a threshold that is 50% greater then that offered to Markey here in Colorado … yet she still decides to freeze the voters out.
  
  “We are absolutely surprised that an important debate between the leading candidates for the 4th Congressional District is being cancelled because Rep. Betsy Markey is trying to change the debate policy that has been in place at KUSA-TV for dozens of years,” Dennis said.
  
  It’s a sad day for CD4 voters, they should know their Congressmanis voiding accountability.
  
  Markey, dodging the citizens of Colorado.
  
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  1. H-man says:
    
    September 17, 2010 at 4:03 am
    
    Pick a fight with your local media and see if they find a way to get back at you. Very strategic.
    
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Aggie says:

September 16, 2010 at 8:45 pm

This really should be promoted to the front page.

At the very least it is a debatable point.

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1. H-man says:
  
  September 18, 2010 at 3:52 pm
  
  They don’t promote diaries that make Dems look bad. No matter how you cut this, Markey comes off as a jerk.
  
  Instead you get the game changer that Markey, an incumbent, gets the NRA endorsement on the front page.
  
  There are lots of good people posting.
  
  Maybe next cycle there will be a Colorado political blog which exhibits some sense of balance.
  
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Froward69 says:

September 17, 2010 at 12:36 am

Markey is actually standing up for the Likes of Tom Tancredo. In insisting Only to debate with ALL parties involved.

It is not that she is scared to debate but rather Inclusive as to allowing All parties to get their message Out.

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1. Aggie says:
  
  September 17, 2010 at 2:11 am
  
  Is that really the reality? You dont think she is doing this because of the political ramifications? If you answer that honestly you should change the title of your post.
  
  From a philosphic point of view, how is this any different from the Repubs who were trying to put homeless people as Green party candidates on the ballot?
  
  It is not her job to ensure her opponents have a chance to “get their message out.” If that were the case, she should run a few commercials for them.
  
  Can we PLEASE just cut the crap and quit acting like she is the champion of the ACP????
  
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