KALAMAZOO (WKZO-AM) — Western Michigan University Professor Paul Clements is challenging Congressman Fred Upton this November for his seat. It’s been a low key affair with both candidates making public appearances but not doing a lot of media or spending money on ads, at least not so far.
It’s heatng up. Comments made by Clements on Kalamazoo’s Morning News on WKZO-AM are being disputed by the Upton Campaign.
Last week, Clements challenged the long-time incumbent from St. Joseph to four debates scattered around the 6th District. Now, Clements says he has gotten a letter rejecting his offer.
Clements says the public has a right to hear what the candidate stands for and hear him defend his positions in public.
An Upton spokesman disputes they sent any such letter, calling it 100 percent untrue.
Upton Communications Director Tom WIlbur sent us a list of a series of community forums and media appearences that Upton will attend or participate in between now and the election and notes that he will even appear with Clements in a radio debate on 590 WKZO-AM on Nov. 3.
He also sent us this quote from Upton.
“I look forward to continuing to spread our message concentrated on issues that matter to folks here at home; new jobs, protecting our citizens, and working together to make Southwest Michigan a better place for everyone. That’s what I’m focused on. Vigorous public forums, discussion, and debate on these critical issues is an important part of our democratic process. I commend these local groups and outlets for organizing these events and inviting candidates like myself to give voters additional opportunities to weigh their options come Election Day.”
But Clements said that’s not what he is talking about. He says he would like a public debate that is scheduled when working people can attend and participate, where the candidates have to respond directly to questions from the media and the public, and presumably react to each other.
Clements asks if the Presidential candidates can have three debates, then why can’t they? He claims Upton was offered just such an opportunity by the League of Women Voters of Berrien County and he never responded.
