Candidates who are strongly favored seldom want to debate. Candidates who are behind desperately want debates. Various techniques have been used over the years to force the frontrunner to debate, from enlisting public opinion to sending a guy in a chicken suit to follow him.
In Wisconsin's 2nd District, Republican challenger Dave Mangum is trying to use help from an unexpected quarter - incumbent Democrat Tammy Baldwin's campaign manager, who seemed to promise debates in replying to a constituent email.
Anita Weier reports for The Capital Times:
Contacted about where he had gotten the debate information, Lato said Baldwin's campaign had contacted "a constituent."
Lato later provided a copy of an e-mail that he said was sent by Baldwin campaign manager Jeff Pertl to a 2nd District constituent on Aug. 2.The message said: "Tammy is working in D.C. right now, but wanted me to get back to you right away. As you know, Tammy is a strong advocate for democracy and participation in the political process. As such, every election cycle she participates in at least six or seven debates. The debates usually include several locations throughout the district, at least one televised appearance, and a foreign policy debate."
Attempts to reach Pertl about the e-mail were unsuccessful.
Read the whole story at the link above. It's definitely a new wrinkle in an old tale.
It's doubtful this embarassment will affect Baldwin's hopes in the heavily Democratic district, although it might affect Perti's future with Baldwin. Virtually everyone rates this contest as "Safe Democratic."
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