Well, it was not much of a debate. Of our three candidates who had promised to come, only one followed through on his commitment to the forum sponsors, the 10th Amendment Foundation. Morgan Griffith (R) came and faced many questions from an audience of about 200 people.
Mr. Jeremiah Heaton (I) and Mr. Rick Boucher (D) did not show up. Apparently Mr. Boucher had promised in May he would come. When contacted later about the date of the event, he changed his mind and said he could not make it because Congress would still be in session. Of course, they are not in session so that excuse was removed but when contacted, Mr. Boucher said he already had a prior commitment. Somehow he was able to commit to someone else even though he thought he'd be in session. Mr. Heaton had said he would come but just didn't show up. He did not contact the organizers to let them know but instead contacted a reporter for the local paper. I guess he is practicing his Congressional behaviors ahead of time.
The 10th Amendment Foundation does not endorse any candidate. They are a group that promotes the Constitution as the document that restricts our Federal government. (http://www.10thamendmentfoundation.org/) One might think that a Congressman who swore to uphold that very document might want to share his views with such a group. Mr. Heaton confirms he is a strong believer in that document also, but for whatever reason chose not to participate. It bothers me that he could not be bothered to contact them personally to let them know. Apparently there was not enough press coverage of the event to make it worth his while, so he made it a press topic by contacting the reporter himself and then not showing up.
It was a good forum at a great venue in the middle of our district. I appreciate the efforts of the organizers and of Mr. Griffith who came to give his views. I respect someone who makes a promise and then sticks to that promise. Politics is a tough business and everyone wants a piece of the candidates' time. However, avoiding the constituents is not the way to get my vote. Does it work for you? Feel free to email Mr. Boucher and Mr. Heaton and let them know.
www.boucher.house.gov
http://www.heatonforcongress.com/
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