Murray, Rossi at odds over debate details
SEATTLE -- U.S. Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., and challenger Dino Rossi are at odds over how they'll debate, and how often.
Murray has agreed to a face-to-face debate on KOMO-TV in October and a second debate in Spokane. Rossi won't agree to anything, saying the people deserve more.
So what's going on? Here's my analysis.
Murray has got tons of cash, tons of name familiarity. She can walk down a street, and she's more than a candidate; she's the senator. Murray spent Friday addressing an audience of three at a small bistro. She visited a small business, then stopped by Elliott Bay Books in Seattle where she promised small businesses she'll help them get access to loans.
Dino Rossi shakes hands in small towns. He can't promise them anything other than if elected, he'll for fight for change. That's why he wants many more than two debates.
"We are going to push for more debates. I don't think two is acceptable.She's short changing most of the people in the state of Washington," he said.
But Murray says she's got more important issues to deal with.
"I am not a professional candidate. I am a United States senator, and we are back in session in all of September. And there's some really important business like the small business loan act that we have got to get done," she said.
"I'll be happy to fly back to Washington, D.C. and do a national debate as well," said Rossi. "The issues are so critical. She can't just duck her 18-year record and what we need to do for future of this country and the state of Washington."
"I certainly want to have debates," said Murray. "We are willing to have two of them and we hope he agrees to those and we can get those forward. I am not going to have a debate about debates."
How do people feel? I found one woman, who only wished to be identified as "Lindsy," keeping her mind busy with the New York Times Crossword. How about watching debates?
"None, zero. Not interested, no. Not interested at all," she said.
Todd Lawson said he would watch three, but with one caveat: "Unless it can really be a debate and somebody gets in there and make them answer the question, it is just a waste of time and I rather not have any of them," he said.
Bottom line: Murray will hold to two debates unless she takes a dip in the polls. Rossi will probably agree.
The KOMO-TV debate will be simulcast on KOMO Newsradio, and telecast in the Tri-Cities.
None of this may satisfy Rossi. He may protest everywhere until Election Day.
Whether that's an issue that will pay off depends on how many would rather do a crossword puzzle.
The details of the debates will be announced as the date nears.
Murray has agreed to a face-to-face debate on KOMO-TV in October and a second debate in Spokane. Rossi won't agree to anything, saying the people deserve more.
So what's going on? Here's my analysis.
Murray has got tons of cash, tons of name familiarity. She can walk down a street, and she's more than a candidate; she's the senator. Murray spent Friday addressing an audience of three at a small bistro. She visited a small business, then stopped by Elliott Bay Books in Seattle where she promised small businesses she'll help them get access to loans.
Dino Rossi shakes hands in small towns. He can't promise them anything other than if elected, he'll for fight for change. That's why he wants many more than two debates.
"We are going to push for more debates. I don't think two is acceptable.She's short changing most of the people in the state of Washington," he said.
But Murray says she's got more important issues to deal with.
"I am not a professional candidate. I am a United States senator, and we are back in session in all of September. And there's some really important business like the small business loan act that we have got to get done," she said.
"I'll be happy to fly back to Washington, D.C. and do a national debate as well," said Rossi. "The issues are so critical. She can't just duck her 18-year record and what we need to do for future of this country and the state of Washington."
"I certainly want to have debates," said Murray. "We are willing to have two of them and we hope he agrees to those and we can get those forward. I am not going to have a debate about debates."
How do people feel? I found one woman, who only wished to be identified as "Lindsy," keeping her mind busy with the New York Times Crossword. How about watching debates?
"None, zero. Not interested, no. Not interested at all," she said.
Todd Lawson said he would watch three, but with one caveat: "Unless it can really be a debate and somebody gets in there and make them answer the question, it is just a waste of time and I rather not have any of them," he said.
Bottom line: Murray will hold to two debates unless she takes a dip in the polls. Rossi will probably agree.
The KOMO-TV debate will be simulcast on KOMO Newsradio, and telecast in the Tri-Cities.
None of this may satisfy Rossi. He may protest everywhere until Election Day.
Whether that's an issue that will pay off depends on how many would rather do a crossword puzzle.
The details of the debates will be announced as the date nears.