Democratic Incumbent Martin Heinrich Says No to Televised Debate

Martin Heinrich Refuses to Debate Jon Barela in Live Televised
KOAT/Albuquerque Journal Debate

Martin Heinrich, the incumbent Democrat in the First Congressional District has rejected an invitation to participate in an Albuquerque Journal/KOAT live television debate with Jon Barela, the Republican candidate for Congress. Heinrich has offered two excuses for ducking the debate.  First, he has said that he does not agree with KOAT’s standard debate format – a format that KOAT and the Albuquerque Journal have frequently used in the past, and one the media outlets will use for other Congressional debates this year. Second, Heinrich wanted to limit the issues for discussion, but KOAT and the Albuquerque Journal “feel strongly that the candidates should be able to address a wide range of issues important to New Mexicans.”

“The fact that a congressman is refusing to debate and defend his record is unbelievable and disrespectful to the voters who are wanting to make an informed choice on who to support in this election,” Barela remarked. “Martin Heinrich has a duty to New Mexicans, as an elected representative, to explain his voting record to his constituents, even if it’s comprised of a string of expensive and unpopular votes for higher taxes, spending, and debt.  New Mexicans are looking for a new way forward – one that will finally put New Mexicans back to work and turn our economy around.  This debate, hosted by two of the most reputable news organizations in the state, is a prime opportunity for a large number of voters to hear us make our case.”

Martin Heinrich has also stopped holding in-person town hall meetings, and he has refused to defend and even mention the major pieces of his voting record in his television advertisements.

Barela concluded, “I consider it a sacred honor to be able to meet with New Mexicans while on the campaign trail, explain to them my vision for the future, and ask for their trust at the ballot box this year.  The opportunity for public service isn’t handed to anyone; you have to earn it.”

Heinrich has a history of refusing to debate his opponent in a live televised setting.  In 2008, during his first run for Congress, Martin Heinrich did participate in the televised KOAT debate, but rejected a debate hosted by KRQE and the American Association for Retired Persons (AARP).  (“Traditional debate canceled,” Albuquerque Journal, 9/18/2008).  Out of the six congressional candidates for New Mexico’s U.S. House
seats, Heinrich is the only candidate refusing to participate in the debate.  Source

http://www.jonbarela.com/

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