The Austin American-Statesman is reporting that Congressman Michael McCaul has turned down their attempt to organize a debate between him and his challengers for the District 10 seat, Democrat Larry Joe Doherty and Libertarian Matt Finkel. The McCaul campaign “could not immediately say what the exact scheduling conflicts were,” writes Statesman reporter Jason Embry.
District 10 stretches from West Lake Hills and the exclusive, gated Lake Austin neighborhood where McCaul lives, through north Austin and Pflugerville, and then all the way to the suburbs of Houston.
UPDATE: Statement from Doherty: “At a time when our financial markets are going bankrupt, our energy bills are skyrocketing and the public’s trust in Congress has collapsed, it is irresponsible of McCaul to run away from the issues. Texas families are struggling, and they deserve to know my opponent’s views on the issues they face each day. My campaign is based on holding Washington accountable, and politicians like McCaul need to be held responsible for the pay-for-play style politics that place the burden on working families.”
This article appears in September 19 • 2008.