Democratic congressional candidate Alissa Ellman is calling on Republican U.S. Rep. Claudia Tenney to participate in four public debates ahead of the November election.
In a statement released Tuesday, Ellman proposed holding debates in communities across New York’s 24th Congressional District. She said the events could be hosted by local media outlets, civic organizations, colleges or community groups to allow voters to hear directly from both candidates.
Ellman said the debates would allow residents to ask questions and hear the candidates discuss issues affecting the district, including the cost of groceries, utility bills, housing, health care and concerns facing farmers.
The Democratic candidate, a veteran, burn pit cancer survivor and mother, said she believes candidates for public office should be available to answer questions from voters and said her campaign is ready to begin working with organizations to schedule the proposed debates.
As of Tuesday, Congresswoman Tenney had not publicly responded to Ellman’s debate proposal.
