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Jul

24

[rumor] Mandel’s campaign says he has no time until after elections for debate w/opponent


Yeah, I know – sounds weird but that’s what I’m hearing from a very reliable source.

The story goes that Bob Conklin of In the Spotlight on Time Warner channels, who did a great job with the OH-10 Democratic primary debate back in February 2008, has been looking into setting up debates. The Ohio race for the 17th district (and the one in which I live) between incumbent Josh Mandel (R-Lyndhurst) (anyone else notice those bright, shiny and wordy new templates for the incumbents – need to tool around there and make sure all legislators get those) and attorney Bob Belovich was one of the races Conklin had hoped to put in the spotlight with a debate between the two opponents.

Well, I’m told, Belovich said yes, no problem.  But Mandel’s campaign responded by saying that Mandel would not have time to schedule a debate until mid-November.  When that was said to me, I asked, “As in, after the election???”  And was told yes.  Mandel’s campaign essentially said that Mandel couldn’t schedule the debate until after the election.

If you’re thinking, “WTF is that?” you’re not alone.

Now – as I said, my source is very much on top of the situation and I have no reason to doubt the source nor has the source ever embellished anything before.

But, that noted, it is possible that I’m not hearing it right – or something.

So, if someone knows better, or would like to alter the characterization of the exchanges and the intent, please do so.

In the meantime, for someone who supposedly expects to get hit with a tidal wave of cash from the Ohio Democratic Party among other entities and is being characterized as having to fight to “survive” this race in the 17th, it sure makes you wonder why he wouldn’t want to debate and get the free coverage to chop off a few dollars from that $400,000 he supposedly needs to try to win retention of his seat, which has been a GOP-held seat since 2000.

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By Jill Miller Zimon at 10:37 pm July 24th, 2008 in Campaigning, Debates, Elections, Government, OH17, Ohio, Pepper Pike, Politics, Statehouse 

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