01/15/2015
Several of you have asked if we would be hosting another event similar to the Meet 'n' Greet/Forum the Republican 10th District hosted at the theater for the five 120th District House Seat Republican candidates. Since the January election, we began planning another event for the final two candidates. However, when each of the two candidates was told about the event and was invited to participate, both candidates declined our invitation. Needless to say, we are disappointed and feel that the voters will miss an opportunity to hear the two candidates discuss their views on important issues in our state. Please see the forwarded email below from Brian Burdette to the County Chairs regarding this matter.
Sincerely,
Mike D'Antonio, Chairwoman
Greene County
FORWARDED EMAIL:
Dear County Chairs,
As you know I have been trying to coordinate an "Issues Forum" (not a debate) for the two candidates in the run-off race for House Seat 120.
We had the venues, dates and times set for one in Oglethorpe County
and one in Greene County. The intent of this "Issues Forum" was to ask
each candidate their position on some of the high profile issues they will be asked to vote on if elected to this position.
Unfortunately, neither of the candidates is willing to participate in this "Issues Forum!" We have been trying for nearly a week to get these candidates to commit to appearing
together at these two events. We have even agreed to tell them the questions we would be asking at each event........they have refused!
Myself, and others have tried to explain to both of them that this is the best way to allow the voters
to hear and see them together, and to find out where each candidate stands on the important issues
they will have to vote on during this session. Still, they refuse to take advantage of this opportunity!
Chairs, I do not understand what these two guys are afraid of!!!
But, they obviously are fearful of any sort of public event that puts them in front of the voters and expects
them to let the voters know their respective positions on important issues that they will have to cast a vote!
I am very disappointed in both of these candidates!
Representative Mickey Channell was never afraid to publicly state his positions on important issues.
Also, Representative Channell understood the importance of being respectful to the local party leadership in each County. In my opinion, the actions from these two candidates during this run-off race shows a blatant disregard and lack of respect for the local Republican Party Leadership of each County in House District 120.
As the Chair of The Tenth Congressional District, I apologize for not being able to make these events happen for House District 120 and your respective Counties. It is one of our main responsibilities to
do what we can to help inform and educate the voters in our counties.
In a special election like this, the grassroots party structure is the one major resource our voters have to get information. These two candidates have done everything they can to avoid sharing their positions on the issues with the local party organizations and in essence the voters whom they are representing.
This has been a very disappointing and discouraging turn of events.
Sincerely,
Brian K. Burdette, Chairman
Tenth District
Republican Party
