OH-16: Boccieri, Schuring Agree to Three Debates

Canton, OH - Both candidates for the 16th District congressional seat have accepted invitations to three debates about the issues at stake in the 2008 election, with additional debates still on the table.

The Roy C. Bliss Institute for Applied Politics, the Wooster Coalition for Support of Business and Jobs, and the Greater Canton Veterans Council are the hosts of the debates to which both candidates have agreed.

Senator Major John Boccieri(D-Alliance) said today:

"These debates are great opportunities to share our visions for this district and the country with voters. The views of our local workers, veterans, business leaders and middle class families are vital to the future of this community, and I look forward to addressing them in these spirited discussions."

Bob Harper of the Greater Canton Veterans Council expressed his excitement for a veterans-focused debate.

"With over 46,000 veterans in Stark County alone, I'm honored that both candidates have personally committed to discuss veterans' concerns in this forum."

Boccieri also addressed the Canton Chamber of Commerce's sudden cancellation of a Stark County debate:

"After an initial agreement and months of planning, I'm surprised that the Chamber of Commerce decided to walk away from the negotiating table before Senator Schuring could tell us whether he will engage with me in other important Stark County debates. I am still eager to discuss my strong business voting record in this forum if Senator Schuring is willing to discuss the issues facing seniors, students and working families in the other Stark County debates that I've already agreed to."

The dates and locations for the debates to which both Boccieri and Schuring have agreed are as follows:

Ray C. Bliss Institute of Applied Politics
When: October 20
Where: University of Akron Medina Campus

Greater Canton Veterans Council
When: October 4
Where: Canton VFW Post 3747

Wooster Coalition for Support of Business and Jobs
When: October 8
Where: Wayne County Public Library

Schuring has yet to respond to invitations to the following debates which Boccieri has accepted:

AARP / Stark State College of Technology
When: September 5
Where: Stark State College of Technology

Time-Warner Cable
When: September 23
Where: Studio Recording for Broadcast

Temple Israel Brotherhood Election Dinner
When: October 12
Where: Temple Israel, Canton

WHBC - Points to Ponder
When: October 22
Where: Live Radio Debate