In a post over at MDE where Michael is trying desperately to get anyone he can to help Coleman throw stones at Franken at Farmfest, he quotes Coleman campaign manager Cullen Sheehan:
We intend to accept debate formats that we believe will add to the discussion of issues, and show the clear differences between all of the candidates for the United States Senate. In that spirit, we intend to hold off on committing to any specific debates until after the September Primary at which time major party candidates will be chosen to run in the November General Election. The one exception to this is an already scheduled Farmfest candidate forum that we are committed to and one in which we have communicated to organizers that we hope they will be inviting all of the major party candidates to participate in the forum.
Sounds like the groundwork to skip out on the tradition of the Minnesota State Fair debates. The Minnesota State Fair runs from August 21 through Labor Day, September 1.
Historical links: Minnesota State Fair Senate debates: 2006 (Klobuchar, Kennedy, Fitzgerald), 2002 (Wellstone, Coleman)
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T-Paw ducked 2006 at the fair - looks like Coleman is taking the same angle.
Once again, this proves that Coleman is terrified to debate the issues.
Great catch, Aaron. Keep up the good work!
We need to shame Normy into an appearance… maybe take away his hockey puck if he doesn’t show up for the debate.
Right, because if you remember how the goons over at MPR handled the state fair debate in 2006 virtually helping make it a complete home court advantage for Amy Klobuchar. Debates should be just that, debates, not a candidate being blindsided and walking into another candidates campaign rally.
gopgal, it isn’t always the media’s fault. I don’t recall the 2006 State Fair debate, but Mark Forehead-Kennedy was such a poor candidate that he would have looked bad if Fox News had handled it.
ooops I forgot Norm Coleman has no shame. He had it removed surgically by Dick Cheney.
I am for these debates. Just stick to the issues and you will see who has the best ideas. Seems that many times these turn into mud slining ordeals. I would like to see ALL candidates debate at the fair. I would like to hear what each person that is running has to say. Never know they may have a great idea. But let’s have good debates. Put them live on TV and not just a cable channel.
COLEMAN RUNNING SCARED?????
I guess he’s pretty darn worried. Of all places to chicken out of - the State Fair!!
He must really be afraid that he’s going to get shown up with Republicans coming to town.
Not a man of the people at all, if he’s afraid to appear at the Great Minnesota Get Together!!!! LOL.
So, ol’ Smokescreen is throwin’ up a smokescreen to hide behind, while he ducks a debate at The Great Minnesota Get-Together?
Imagine that.