Over the past couple of days, interim US Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS) has declied opportunities to debate his challenger, former Governor Ronnie Musgrove (D-MS) for the election to the remainder of former Senator Trent Lott’s term.
Just this past weekend, Wicker’s campaign announced that the senator would not be participating in a debate at the Neshoba County Fair in July. For those unfamiliar with the Fair, it has been THE most important forum for policital dialogue in Mississippi since 1889. Ronald Reagan even announced his 1980 campaign for the presidency at the Neshoba County Fair. We were hoping that there would be a debate between Wicker and Musgrove, but Wicker’s campaign stated that the senator had to be in Washington for votes on July 31. True, the Senate is scheduled to be in session that day; however, we have no clue if votes are scheduled for that day. Wicker did state; however, that he would be able to attend the Fair on July 30.
And just today, the Clarion-Ledger reported that Musgrove has challenged Wicker to a series of town hall debates throughout Mississippi. These informal discussions – totaling eight in all with two being held in each Congressional district – would be a great way for the issues to be discussed in an open forum. Wicker has not yet accepted the challenge. Wicker’s staff says that they want to accomodate the senator’s schedule but looks forward to the debates.
It is very surprising to me how a Republican in Mississippi is afraid to debate a Democrat. How Wicker can be in Mississippi on Wednesday, July 30, and then be in Washington early the next day without facing a debate on the issues is truly remarkable – if not cowardly. If Wicker wants to get his name out to the voters who have no idea who he is and make his case, he is certainly doing an awful job.
I am kind of surprised that Roger Wicker does not want to get his name out there. At best for him, this race is very tight, and at worst he is down. Wouldn’t it be in his best interest to get out there? Then again, I am sure he is following the same GOP blueprint for candidates: avoid the issues, run a campaign based on wedge issues to divide the electorate, and dump tens of millions into baseless attack ads.
I may be alone here, but after VA/NM/NH/CO, I like Musgrove’s chances as much as any other Senate candidate we have.
Wicker has the money to buy an extensive amount of adds, while Musgrove doesn’t. Wicker is not going to do town hall meetings or debates because he can get his name ID, ratings up and Musgrove’s ratings down by spending his millions on ad buys.
Why would he participate in a debate or town hall meeting when he is just going to say something stupid, or get smashed by Musgrove?
He is better strategically to not debate because when you debate each candidate gets media time, when you buy adds only you get media time, and you can avoid saying extremely hurtful things.