Late last week, Ninth U.S. Congressional candidate Michael DelGrosso issued a challenge to incumbent Bill Shuster.
He wants to debate.
Appearing live on Blair County’s Public Access show “Weekend Wrap Up,’ DelGrosso said one-on-one debates is “the only way to put this important decision in the hands of the people.”
He said he wants Shuster to debate him in each of the 15 counties under representation by the Ninth District.
“The people of this district deserve to be able to hear first-hand both candidates debate the issues,” said DelGrosso. “While I’m glad to see that there is progress on a Blair County debate, there are 14 other counties that are equally important to the district. Therefore, I challenge Bill Shuster to debate anywhere, anytime.”
“That’s absolutely ridiculous,” said Ray Zaborney, Shuster’s campaign chairman. “(Sen. Arlen) Specter and Pat Toomey are probably only going to debate once and there will probably be only two or three presidential debates. I hope he (DelGrosso) doesn’t think this should rise to that level.”
During DelGrosso’s public challenge, he said he fully expects the Shuster campaign to agree to more debates, “especially since the House is not in session from April 5 until April 19.”
“The difference here is that Mr. Shuster has a job and Michael DelGrosso does not,” said Zaborney. “Just because we’re not in Washington doesn’t mean we’re not working. Bill has a full schedule ahead of him, and that is his main priority right now. Michael DelGrosso has all the time in the world.”
Zaborney said Shuster is not opposed to debating; however, he noted a campaign pledge early on that Shuster would only debate those worthy.
“Right now, I don’t think Michael DelGrosso is a viable candidate for debate,” said Zaborney.
Although no debates are scheduled, Zaborney agreed with DelGrosso saying there are groups working hard to bring a debate to Blair County.
“There has been three or four offers for debates, but from what we’re seeing, there’s no plans of debates in all 15 counties,” said Zaborney.
