OH-16: Date Set for Fourth Boccieri-Schuring Debate

Date Set for Fourth Boccieri-Schuring Debate

Schuring, Canton Chamber of Commerce Reject Additional Forums

Both 16th District congressional candidates have agreed to a fourth debate before the November election. This discussion will take place live on the WHBC radio show "Points to Ponder" on October 15.

Unfortunately, Sen. Kirk Schuring has refused a debate proposed by the AARP that was to take place at Stark State College of Technology. Sen. John Boccieri had agreed to this debate, but the AARP has canceled the event after Schuring rejected their offer.

Senator Major John Boccieri(D-Alliance) responded to the news as follows:

"It's unfortunate that Senator Schuring refused to participate in an open discussion about the issues facing our seniors in this election. Social Security, pension protections, and the cost of health care and prescription drugs are vital concerns that the next Congress will have to address, and it's disheartening that Senator Schuring is unwilling to do so."

Don Singer, a representative of the Boccieri campaign, also responded to the Canton Chamber of Commerce's cancellation of a debate that both candidates were willing to participate in:

"After much progress, I'm disappointed that the Chamber of Commerce suddenly closed the door on negotiations despite Senator Boccieri's willingness to debate the candidate they had just endorsed."

What gives? The Canton Chamber of Commerce endorses Schuring, plans a debate, but as soon as John Boccieri accepts they pull the plug? I might be wrong, but this just doesn't pass "the smell test". As for the AARP debate, I think we covered that here.

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

OH-16: UPDATE - John Boccieri Agrees to Five Debates

It's time to get serious about your choice for U.S. Congressional House Representative for Ohio's Fighting 16th District!

Candidate for U.S. Congress John Boccieri has accepted five requests to participate in debates with opponent Kirk Schuring about the most pressing issues facing voters of Ohio's 16th Congressional District.

In a statement released to day, Senator Major John Boccieri(d-Aliance declared:

"There is so much at stake in this election. Voters deserve more from us than 30 second soundbites or misleading attacks from shadowy Washington groups. We need serious debates in fair forums with unbiased moderators who are going to focus on the issues this community really cares about - creating good jobs, turning around the economy, and helping the middle class get ahead.

"I hope Senator Schuring is willing to join me to discuss our ideas with the people of this district."

Open, balanced public debates have been a fundamental part of America's democratic process since the nation's founding. In this spirit, Boccieri has agreed to engage with Schuring in the following debates hosted by respected local leaders and institutions:

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

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

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

Boccieri is eager to participate in more debates that adhere to the same standards of fairness and community involvement as those listed above. He will also attend meet-the-candidates forums and other policy-focused events across the 16th District.

In closing Johbn Boccieri stated:

"The people of this district deserve to hear from Sen. Schuring and myself on
the issues as often as possible."

It's finally time to put an end to "The Schuring Distraction Campaign" and get to the issues at heart in this highly watched U.S. Congressional race!

UPDATE: Kirk Schuring has still NOT responded to Sen. John Boccieri's request to debate.