Smith challenger wants “real debates,” not canned speeches

By Deena Winter | Nebraska Watchdog

LINCOLN, Neb. – The retired soldier challenging U.S. Rep. Adrian Smith in the Republican primary is also challenging him hold several real debates, not forums in which they give “canned 5-minute speeches.”

Col. Tom Brewer is running against Smith in the Third Congressional District, and has challenged him to one or more debates before the May 13 primary election.

Smith’s spokesman, Chris Peterson, said Smith has participated in many debates and forums in previous election years, and the duo appeared at a candidate forum in Hoskins on Saturday.

“Other invitations for campaign appearances will be considered as they are received,” Peterson said by email.

In response, Brewer released a statement saying while Smith “has not had the courtesy” to respond to his Feb. 12 letter requesting a debate, he has made several statements to the media that he’s open to a debate after the March 3 filing deadline.

“According to the congressional calendar, the House is not in session a total of 12 days in March,” Brewer said. “Which date works best for you, Congressman Smith?”

Brewer also noted that he wants “a real debate,” not a candidate forum where both candidates make canned, 5-minute speeches. He said several media outlets are interested in sponsoring such a debate.

Contact Deena Winter at deena@nebraskawatchdog.org. Follow Deena on Twitter at @DeenaNEWatchdog

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