Contact: press@edmarkey.org
Markey Campaign Proposes Issue-Driven Debate Plan
Debates Would Be Held in Locations throughout Massachusetts
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 15, 2013
Contact: Giselle Barry, 781-960-5338, press@edmarkey.org
Medford, MA – The Ed Markey for U.S. Senate campaign today released a proposed debate schedule for the Democratic primary, which would include two general debates and four issue-specific debates. The proposed general debates would be held in Springfield and Boston and sponsored by independent news organizations with which the candidates and news organizations would mutually agree on format and length. Additionally, the Markey campaign proposed four issue-specific debates at locations to be negotiated by the campaigns and potential sponsors. Each issue-specific debate – covering such topics as education, jobs and the economy, public safety and national security, and equal opportunity – would be held in a different location throughout the Commonwealth and be jointly sponsored by independent news organizations and relevant issue organizations. In 2009, five debates were held in the Senate Democratic primary and in 2012, Democratic Senate candidates participated in two debates.
“The voters deserve to hear the Senate candidates debate the issues that matter most to Massachusetts,” said Markey campaign manager Sarah Benzing. “With such a short primary, this proposed plan is aggressive and will bring the debate forum to as many voters as possible throughout the state. This election should focus on the issues workers, families and businesses are confronting every day, and I look forward to a lively discussion with all of the candidates in this race.”
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