> SOUTHERN INDIANA —
Like a Wild West showdown, Indiana’s 9th District Congressional race is primed for a duel after Republican Todd Young challenged incumbent Democrat Baron Hill to a series of debates this week.
“The general election is just over three months away. Our nation faces challenging times and this is a very critical election,” Young said in a news release.
“I have asked Congressman Hill to join me in talking directly with voters.”
Young’s idea is for the candidates to appear at least seven times in public forums. He suggested they be held in either Jeffersonville or New Albany along with Columbus, Jasper, Paoli, Seymour, Madison and Lawrenceburg.
He added that Hill could propose any other location as well.
The Hill campaign responded to the challenge by saying the U.S. Representative from Seymour is up for a forum.
“Baron has always made himself accessible to the voters and will do so this August, when he walks through the counties of the district,” Hill campaign spokesman Daniel Altman said.
“He believes debates are an important part of the Democratic process. Baron looks forward to debating both [Libertarian candidate] Greg Knott and Todd Young and the campaign is in the process of scheduling debates.”
Young suggested the candidates have the forums in the evening when people are typically home from work or school, and that members of the audience be allowed to ask questions.
The election has heated up since the May primary, with the candidates criticizing the stances of their opponents on issues such as Social Security, unemployment and federal bailouts.
Hill defined Young’s tactics as “obstructionist,” saying the Bloomington Republican hasn’t defined a platform he would follow if elected.
“Republicans in Washington have decided that instead of putting forward their own ideas, they are going [to] run by dragging Democrats into the mud,” Hill said.
“Unfortunately, my opponent has gotten their playbook and is following their advice to a T.”
Young countered in a phone interview with The Evening News and The Tribune that Hill “has dodged any serious discussion of the issues that are currently the greatest concern to 9th District voters including jobs, the state of the economy and the fiscal responsibility at the federal level of government.”
“I don’t think there’s ever been a press inquiry we haven’t responded to, or a question we haven’t responded to,” Young said.
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Discussion
Debates on the way in 9th District race
New Albany or Jeffersonville suggested as possible locations
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