4 users logged onTips: BlueJerseyDotCom (AIM) |      

Log In
Sign Up | Forgot Password?

NJ-04: Zeitz Challenges Smith to 4 Debates

by: Zeitz for Congress (NJ-4)

Thu Aug 14, 2008 at 01:43:58 PM EDT



Josh Zeitz, the Democratic nominee for Congress in New Jersey's 4th Congressional district, today challenged Rep. Chris Smith to four public debates.

In honor of the 150th anniversary of the historic Lincoln-Douglas debates, Zeitz asked Smith to join him at one public debate in each of the fourth district's counties: Burlington, Mercer, Monmouth and Ocean. During their campaign for the U.S. Senate from Illinois, Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas debated in each of Illinois's nine congressional districts.

As a sign of respect, Zeitz mailed a personal debate invitation to Smith's home, along with a copy of a book on the Lincoln-Douglas debates.

Here's what Josh had to say:

"The rising cost of food, gas, health care, and education is hurting many working families," wrote Zeitz. "People have a right to know how each of us proposes to address these grave problems, and they have a right to challenge us in a public forum."

"I can think of no better way for us to honor the anniversary of the Lincoln-Douglas debates than by providing the residents of New Jersey's Fourth Congressional District a similar opportunity to see their candidates engage in a vigorous but respectful exchange of ideas."

"While neither of us would presume to walk in the footsteps of these two giants, let's agree to honor their memory --- and to honor our neighbors in Central Jersey - by debating in Ocean, Monmouth, Burlington, and Mercer Counties."

The campaign is entering a critical phase and we need your support. You can contribute at Josh's ActBlue page. If you'd like to volunteer, please contact ian_at_joshzeitz_dot_com. Please visit Josh's website to learn more about why we need to elect Josh to Congress.

If any of you have specific things you'd like to suggest Josh focus on in the debate, feel free to email ian_at_joshzeitz_dot_com. Josh and the campaign want to hear your thoughts.

Zeitz for Congress (NJ-4) :: NJ-04: Zeitz Challenges Smith to 4 Debates
Tags: , , , , , (All Tags)
Print Friendly View Send As Email
Debates Should Be Mandatory.... (0.00 / 0)
Imagine a professional football team in which there was no turnover (unless a player quit, got injures or died).

In such a scenario there would be no competitive preseason tryouts; no competition for the job, no way for any "up and coming" talent to ever break into the starting line up.

OK let's leave that imperfect metaphor for now.   One of the most important skills of one who would deign to write our LAWS is that that person be able to effectively articulate their views and argue their beliefs.

If incumbents (who believe they have a "lock" on re-election) routinely take the chickenshit cowardly way out by refusing to debate their opponents, what does that tell us?

Either they are not confident in their skills/positions or they are simply  afraid to afraid to lose to an opponent who is stronger, more informed, more articulate, more talented, more intelligent and more in tune with the voters.

Obviously, such a law is unlikely to ever pass, since it's incumbents that would have to introduce and pass it.

On the other hand, if sponsoring such a law became a voting issue; then it would be passed poste haste and the same folks who may have initially snubbed the idea will be preening for credit at the bill signing.

If Smith has any confidence or integrity he will take Zeitz up on the four debates.

Come on Chris!  You're an old seasoned pro, and you are enormously confident; why not let your constituents see "what you got" in comparison to the rookie trying out for your job.

No one should feel "entitled" to a seat in congress.   That's toxic for our democracy.

No matter who wins the election it would still be a great thing for the voters to have a chance to hear these two smart fellows debate/discuss a full range of issues!


Featured Stories

Hate Ads? Make them disappear.
Subscribe:

Blue Jersey Essentials

 EDITORIAL DIRECTOR
 Rosi Efthim

 STAFF WRITERS
 Adam L a/k/a/ clammyc
 Bill Orr
 Deciminyan
 Hopeful
 Jay Lassiter
 Jeff Gardner
 Jersey Jazzman
 KendalJames
 Senator Loretta Weinberg
 the_promised_land
 Rosi Efthim

» About | FAQ | In the News
» 
» Tips:
» Front Page RSS Feed
» User Diaries RSS Feed
» Blue Jersey on Twitter » Blue Jersey on Facebook » Blue Jersey T-shirts
ADVERTISEMENT

Blog Roll

» Alicia Menendez
» Alive and Kickin
» Baristanet
» Blog the Fifth
» Capitol Quickies
» The Center of NJ Life
» Channel Surfing
» Daily Newarker
» The Englewood Report
» Frank Lobiondo Record
» Fred Snowflack
» Freedom to Tinker
» Garden State Grapevine
» ClearysNoteBook
» Herb Jackson
» Hoboken Journal
» Hoboken Now
» Jersey Blogs
» Jersey Jazzman
» Middletown Mike
» More Monmouth Musings
» NJ Domestic Partnership
» NJ Politics Unusual
» NJ Voices: Policy Watch
» On Our Radar
» The Opinion Mill
» Other Spaces
» Plainfield Plaintalker
» PolitickerNJ
» Retire Garrett
» Ruins of Trenton
» Senator Ray Lesniak
» Stovetop Diplomacy
» Sustainable Cherry Hill
» The Subversive Garden
» Teaneck Progress
» Trenton Kat
» We Don't Need Permission
» Xpatriated Texan

Cartoons

» M.e. Cohen
» Jimmy Margulies
» Drew Sheneman
» Rob Tornoe
Search




Advanced Search












Ads do not constitute
an endorsement
from Blue Jersey.



Blue Jersey Gear

Visit the Blue Jersey store. T-shirts, bumper stickers & more!


Shirts available in dozens of styles and colors.



Visit the Blue Jersey Store

Contact Us
» Editor: 
» Press releases: 
» Advertising inquiries: 
» Tips:
About Us
» About Blue Jersey
» Blue Jersey in the News
» FAQ/Usage
» 
» RSS Feed

Misc Stuff
» Blue Jersey Radio
» Blue Jersey on Twitter
» Facebook Group
» MySpace Page
» NJ Politics 101 Wiki
» Blue Jersey Podcast
» Screaming Carrot Award
» Contribute to Blue Jersey
7752 satisfied users, visits and 0 subpoenas served since Sept 28, 2005
© Blue Jersey, powered by the mighty SoapBlox.
Powered by: SoapBlox