Van Hollen leaves Hudson debate invitation open
By Danny Reiter, PolitickerMD.com ReporterRepublican Steve Hudson wants to debate his opponent in the eighth district congressional race, but that won't happen anytime soon. U.S. Rep. Christopher Van Hollen (D-Kensington) says he's busy being a Congressman, but said he might consider debating in the fall.
"Right now I'm very focused on my duties in Congress. We've got a lot of legislation to pass," Van Hollen told PolitickerMD.com while attending a Democratic fundraiser in Baltimore last night. "At some point in the fall we may be able to do something like that."
Hudson sent an e-mail to Van Hollen on Wednesday asking for a series of debates or joint town hall meetings.
"The people of the eighth district deserve a substantive debate over the issues to understand the true impact of their vote," wrote Hudson, an ophthalmologist and Navy veteran making his first bid for public office. "Additionally, in an election year when so many young people are engaged for the first time, we hope you will agree how wonderful it would be for them to experience another great part of the democratic process-the free exchange of ideas on the issues that affect them personally- right here at home."
Hudson has offered to "work around the congressman's schedule" to find a time for a debate.
Van Hollen, first elected in 2002 when he ousted eight-term incumbent Connie Morella, is spending most of his time this year working to elect other Democrats to the House as Chairman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC).
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HE CAN DEBATE!
What in the world is Chris busy doing???
He's going to get recess for all of August and a week in September.... then something called OCTOBER RECESS??? duhh so the members can go campaign....
i think he's just afraid to debate...that or he's too busy in texas or where ever the next hot DCCC race is because he's certainly doin little at home.
Bad Excuse
I don't live in Van Hollen's district, but his excuse for not having a timely debate is absurd. Van Hollen is certainly not busy being a member of Congress. He is busy voting to adjourn Congress for the summer while significant issues remain unresolved, including energy. As a matter of fact, Van Hollen hasn't done much of anything since he stole Morella's seat in 2002 through redistricting.
The House of Representatives voted to adjourn for a five-week August vacation yesterday, despite an effort by Republicans and a significant number of Democrats to keep the chamber in session. The vote on the motion to adjourn was 213-212 in favor, with Van Hollen voting to adjourn.
Every time Americans fill up their tanks during the month of August and pay historic gas prices, they will have Van Hollen to thank. They can watch him on TV this summer as he travels to other Districts assisting other campaigns while Hudson is calling for honest debate in his district on the issues that matter. Now you tell me, who cares more about the district? I rest my case.
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