Congresswoman Jackie Walorski has a challenger this November, but whether a debate among the candidates will take place in the coming months remains to be seen.
The issue surrounding a lack of scheduled debates has been raised by campaign representatives of the 2nd congressional district’s Democratic Party challenger. Lynn Coleman is a former South Bend police officer who has worked on youth issues and anti-violence campaigns during his career.
During a visit to Starke County on Thursday, Congresswoman Walorski commented on the issue.
“You know what? We’re looking at it, and we always do,” says Walorksi. “And I can’t imagine this year would be any different.”
The South Bend Tribune reports that debates are often scheduled through the American Democracy Project, Political Science Club at Indiana University South Bend, and the League of Women Voters. A second debate is typically scheduled each election year through The Rochester Sentinel and the Rochester school’s AP government class.
According to that same report, Walorksi responded to the invitation for the Rochester debate without confirming she would participate. During past campaigns, Walorski has participated in congressional debates in Wabash and on South Bend television.
Messages from MAX 98.3 to Walorski’s communications staff attempting to confirm her participation were not returned. The congresswoman on Thursday kept her comments brief.
“We’ll let you know as soon as we know,” says Walorski.
Coleman said in a post to social media on August 25th that he believes voters in all counties deserve to hear their candidates debate each other and discuss the issues.
The congresswoman spent time touring portions of the 2nd district this week prior to returning to Washington D.C.
