Joe Dorman, the underdog in the campaign to unseat Republican Governor Mary Fallin, has challenged Fallin to a series of debates. He says one isn’t enough.
Dorman wants six debates across the state. He said while he is glad Fallin has agreed to a debate on October 2nd in Stillwater sponsored by OSU, OETA and the League of Women Voters, more debates are necessary.
Joe Dorman’s Voting Record: http://votesmart.org/candidate/key-votes/46187/joe-dorman#.U-vMr2d0xjo
“Governor Fallin accepted this one debate invitation, but it’s simply not enough for Oklahoma voters. She and I have very different views about how to lead Oklahoma over the next four years. Voters will not be adequately informed about our differences on the issues with only one debate, nor will enough voters see the debate.”
“When Fallin ran for lieutenant governor twenty years ago, she said her opponent was avoiding debates and ‘we are beginning to wonder what she has to hide.’ I say the same thing to Fallin today — are you afraid to debate me?” said Dorman. “By refusing to commit to any more debates, Fallin has flip-flopped on yet another issue. Apparently a generation in public office has made her too timid to lead Oklahoma.”
Dorman called for an additional five debates before the election, each in a different quadrant of the state and in different formats.
“Oklahomans deserve opportunities to hear our positions on the issues without traveling long distances. By having more debates across the state, we can ensure Oklahomans are equipped with the necessary information when heading to the voting booth,” said Dorman. “I would also like to see one debate geared towards social media to reach concerned Oklahomans who are active online and cannot travel in person to a debate because of physical or financial limitations.”
Dorman said Oklahomans have clear choices this November and should understand the ramifications of their votes.
“With Governor Fallin, Oklahoma will continue failed ‘Fal-esi’ policies, such as one size fits all standards and tests, flawed A-F school grading, a lack of respect for teachers, inadequate education funding and underfunded classrooms,” said Dorman.
“If I am elected, Oklahomans will have a strong leader who has a real plan to increase education funding and implement standards that actually use the expertise of Oklahoma educators. I am the candidate who is in touch with Oklahoma values and understands the everyday concerns of our citizens. We do not have that with Mary Fallin. Oklahomans deserve better, and we can do better this November,” said Dorman.
I’d like to see several live debates around the state, with questions before from the audiance. And broadcast them, so voters can see the issues and the answers.