Story Published:
Oct 21, 2009 at 10:07 AM EDT
Story Updated:
Oct 22, 2009 at 5:37 AM EDT
Republican Dede Scozzafava stood in front of one of her opponents' campaign headquarters in Watertown Wednesday morning, and called out her opponents for not engaging in more debates and discussion.
In response, the Hoffman campaign points out it proposed a series of debates back in August.
Scozzafava was accompanied by a handful of staffers and some homemade signs.
Supporters of Conservative Party candidate Doug Hoffman - in front of whose headquarters Scozzafava stood - stood behind Scozzafava holding red 'Hoffman' signs, but did not interrupt her.
Across the street, supporters of Democrat Bill Owens did the same thing - held up signs.
Scozzafava was outnumbered by both Owens and Hoffman supporters.
The morning started with a Scozzafava aide bringing out a podium. A few moments later, the candidate walked up and started talking.
"The people have the right throughout this 23rd Congressional District to hear about the issues that are important to them," Scozzafava said. "I have agreed to debate. I have agreed to every forum that's been offered, and I think it's time the opposition, both of my opponents, agree as well."
She acknowledged she had not called either Owens or Hoffman to directly ask for a debate before holding the press event.
When 7 News reporter Alexandra Field asked a follow up question - "Why not just pick up the phone and call Mr. Hoffman, Mr. Owens and set it up yourself?" Scozzafava started to answer, saying "What we've done is, we've said 'yes' to every forum that's been made available. There's not one that we've said we wouldn't appear on..."
At that point, a middle aged man interrupted Scozzafava, calling out "She asked 'Why didn't you call him yourself and take care of it?' You gave a typical politician answer."
Both the Scozzafava and Hoffman camps said they did not know who the man is.
Scozzafava said she did speak with one of the candidates about debates and joint appearances at some point in the past.
Then Scozzafava aide Matt Burns called for a last question. Scozzafava answered, turned from the podium and headed back down Court Street to her own headquarters. An aide picked up the podium.
An hour later, the Hoffman campaign sent a written response to Scozzafava's appearance.
"Dede Scozzafava is either extremely cynical or has a very short memory. On August 19, 2009 the Hoffman campaign challenged Dede Scozzafava to a series of 3-5 debates across the district. We asked the Republican County Chairs to sponsor them. The Hoffman campaign even offered to pick-up the rental costs of the venues. Both Scozzafava and the GOP County Chairs refused," according to a statement from the Hoffman camp.
Wednesday's event was the start of an 'RV campaign' planned for the last two weeks of the race, in which Scozzafava says she'll tour the district to "discuss the issues that matter most to residents."
Share Your Thoughts for Your Turn
