Terry Blair, who is seeking the Republican nomination on March 4 to run as state representative in the 38th Ohio House District, let me down. Based on a previous conversation with Mr. Blair, I thought he would welcome the opportunity to debate his Republican opponent, Tom Young. I was expecting Mr. Blair to use the Grassroots Dayton invitation to challenge Mr. Young to a debate. I was wrong. Mr. Blair sent me this e-mail message:
Mike, Unfortunately, I am booked solid between now and the election. Perhaps, this idea will be more practical for the general election.Thanks and good luck in future endeavors. Terry Blair
Previously Mr. Young, in a telephone conversation, had indicated his reluctance to participate in any joint appearance with Mr. Blair, saying that he had six or seven “advisors” who were unanimous that he should not agree to such a meeting. But, I thought if Blair challenged him, maybe he would relent. But it was not to be.
In the 40th Ohio House District Democratic contest, Roland Winburn avoided responding to Grassroots Dayton for two weeks, regardless of repeated efforts to talk with him. When he finally responded, Winburn said that he was booked with other commitments and would be unable to meet his primary opponent Vic Harris in any joint appearance.
Of the four primary candidates that Grassroots Dayton contacted about organizing a debate, only Vic Harris agreed to participate.
For the upcoming general election, I’m thinking that Grassroots Dayton should create a debate schedule well in advance. I’m thinking that possibly we should seek a more established group — such as Kids Voting or League of Women Voters — to help cosponsor events.
Of course I would love to debate Ms. Mitakides and Mr. Sanders- but that ain’t happening either.
It’s unfortunate- actually comparing candidates face to face has fallen out of fashion except for the presidential elections- and even those are more like moderated game shows.
I have seen and heard the ones that have refused and since it is the 199 years since his birth let’s use a quote that applies to the Refusers, never to be confused with the Decider.