Paul Jacobs and his wife, Rhoda
Paul Jacobs and his wife, Rhoda
Paul Jacobs, a Pomona Republican challenging Rep. Terri Bryant (R-Murphysboro) in the March 20 GOP primary in the 115th District, is calling for open dialogue with the incumbent, challenging Bryant to a series of debates around the district.
“As candidates, we should do more than just send out campaign mailers, air commercials and posts on social media,” Jacobs wrote in a letter to Bryant suggesting a debate schedule should be put together. “We should be communicating directly with voters in an open and public forum.”
In a subsequent press statement, Jacobs pointed out that because the 115th District is big and geographically diverse, it makes sense for the two GOP contenders to spread the public debates around, but he did not suggest specific times and locations to Bryant.
Jacobs recently said Bryant has yet to respond to the letter.
Jacobs cited significant differences in policy and said the voters deserve to hear from the candidates and compare them, and that in the end, access to information is critically important for any kind of electoral process.
“I certainly hope she accepts the challenge to debate,” Jacobs said in a press statement. “The voters deserve to have the opportunity to hear directly from us and ask us their questions. Debating is an important part of the electoral process and it would be extremely disappointing if she refuses to debate.”
In his letter to Bryant, Jacobs elaborated on his hopes for a set of debates and how debates can shape the process. “We may not agree on every issue, but hopefully we can agree on the importance of this race and the importance of giving voters an opportunity to hear directly from us on what we think the future of Illinois should be,” he wrote.
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