RELEASE: Potter Challenges Sutton to 4 Debates Inside the 13th Congressional District

This just in...

Strongsville, Ohio – 13th Congressional District candidate David Potter formally invited Rep. Betty Sutton (D-Copley) to a series of debates that should be held within the 13th Congressional District. Both candidates have agreed to an Oct. 15, 2008, debate that will take place at the City Club of Cleveland, which is not in the 13th District.

Potter delivered his invitation to Sutton's office Friday.

During her 2006 campaign, Sutton stated that one of her principles was to "Open the People's Business to the People." In keeping with that, Potter challenged Sutton to four debates to be held in each 13th Congressional District county: Cuyahoga, Lorain, Medina, and Summit.

Potter recently appeared on AM 640WHLO's The Matt Patrick Show where he discussed this debate challenge:

"I would be happy to debate (Sutton). She's on vacation right now. … I would be happy to debate her anywhere, any time, any place, under any rules. I think it's reasonable to say there's diversity in this district. It makes sense to have a debate in all four of the counties – one in Medina County, one in Cuyahoga, one in Summit, one in Lorain. And I know full well that [there] are facilities that would like nothing better [than] to encourage the public to participate in these types of events. I think it makes the process much more transparent, to use some of her words."

In his letter, Potter stated:

"Our fellow citizens living in Ohio's 13th Congressional District have many important decisions to make in this year's general election. The candidates they choose to vote for in federal, state, and local races, along with their choices on ballot initiatives, will significantly impact on the lives of all who live in this wonderful district. I am certain that you would agree that our fellow citizens should be provided with as much information about their candidates who are running to represent them, in order for them to make an 'informed' choice."

The full text of Potter's letter appears below:

Congresswoman Betty Sutton
1700 W. Market Street, #155
Akron, OH 44313

Dear Congresswoman Sutton,

Our fellow citizens living in Ohio's 13th Congressional District have many important decisions to make in this year's general election. The candidates they choose to vote for in federal, state, and local races, along with their choices on ballot initiatives, will significantly impact on the lives of all who live in this wonderful district. I am certain that you would agree that our fellow citizens should be provided with as much information about their candidates who are running to represent them, in order for them to make an "informed" choice.

Therefore, I respectfully and formally invite you to participate in a series of debates with me which will assist the voters in our district in learning more about us and, importantly, our positions on the many critical issues facing our great nation. I recommend that we hold one debate in each of the district's four counties. The format of the debates could be any style that you prefer. Many suitable locations exist in each county that would be appropriate for this integral component of our race.

Ms. Sutton, these debates should focus on the substantive issues that affect the lives of our fellow citizens every day. In the past two years representing our district, you have proposed legislation and cast votes on legislation. Your actions affect all of the people of this district. They all deserve the opportunity to attend a public debate between us. This will allow them to ask questions about you and your votes cast on past legislation. Likewise, they will be able to ask questions about me and the positions I would have taken on that same legislation. They will be able to question us both on possible future legislation.

In your 2006 campaign, you stated one of your principles to be, "Open the People's Business to the People." Knowing that you strongly advocate for keeping people informed and well educated about issues, I would expect that we stand in full agreement in moving forward with these important debates.

I will make myself available at anytime or place that will work with your schedule. If you have any questions, please call me at (440) 263-5330 or by e-mail. Please respond back to me by August 27, 2008 to confirm your acceptance of my invitation.

Sincerely,

David Potter
Candidate, Ohio's 13th Congressional District

8/27/08 UPDATE: Corrected the date of the agreed upon debate in the first paragraph of the release.