State Democrats demand Bartlett debate Dougherty

Bartlett Press Secretary Says Debate Will Occur

Sixth district Democratic nominee Jennifer Dougherty (center)State Democrats distributed a release yesterday to more than 3,000 people on their e-mail list, demanding that U.S. Rep. Roscoe Bartlett (R-Frederick) participate in a debate against his Democratic opponent, former Frederick Mayor Jennifer Dougherty.

"Jennifer Dougherty, Democratic candidate for the 6th Congressional District, has asked Roscoe Bartlett to a debate in every county in the 6th Congressional District - Allegany, Baltimore, Carroll, Frederick, Garrett, Harford, Montgomery and Washington Counties," the release declares. "It's a big district and Jennifer wants voters to have the chance to make their own choice, rather than relying on what the media might cover."

It continues: "Since February, Jennifer has asked five times for a debate in each county, but Roscoe's team says ‘NO,'" adding, "Why won't Roscoe debate in every county?"

Today, Bartlett Press Secretary Lisa Wright told PolitickerMD.com that "voters expect (Bartlett) will debate, and he will."

She did not, however, say when she expected such an event to take place.

Wright also said that Bartlett has "never participated in a debate sponsored by another candidate" since joining Congress in 1993, adding, "He participates in debates sponsored by independent third party organizations."

The press secretary referred to a "multicandidate debate" that Bartlett and Dougherty appeared at in January.

That event, sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Carroll County, was held at Carroll Community College and featured ten candidates, Democrats, Republicans, and one Independent.

Bartlett, however, missed the first half of the 75-minute forum, and each candidate was only given a brief period to speak.

Speaking today with PolitickerMD.com, Dougherty said the "voters in each of the eight counties deserve to see us face to face."

"It's important that people weigh-in on the issues," she added.

Dougherty said she had distributed the state party memo to the nearly 1,000 people on her e-mail list.

Asked if she had any concern about the extent of the release and its ability to reach voters, Wright responded, "None whatsoever."

Meanwhile, Dougherty said the January forum did not give her enough time to address district residents, saying, "It is another reason why I think we should debate in a one-on-one stage."

Saying she would accept a debate sponsored by an independent group, Dougherty added, "I don't think voters should have to wait until October."

Both Dougherty and state Democratic Party Communications Director David Paulson were stern in their opposition to Bartlett.

"He's afraid and he's hoping to slip through another election without talking to the voters," Paulson told PolitickerMD.com. "He's insulting the people of the 6th district."

"I don't think it's a good strategy for an incumbent to go into a bunker," Dougherty added.

Wright was quick to respond, saying, "(Bartlett) participates in debates when they do not conflict with his congressional duties."

Dougherty held steady, saying, "We think each of the eight counties should be heard."