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"A collaborative political resource." |
KUAT sticks to its principles in (AZ) Senate debate
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Race
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| Contributor | Thomas Walker |
| Last Edited | Thomas Walker Oct 16, 2006 10:47pm |
| Category | General |
| News Date | Oct 16, 2006 10:00pm |
| Description | Already excluded from today's Senate debate being moderated by Phoenix CBS affiliate KPHO, Libertarian Senate candidate Richard Mack was looking forward to squaring off with U.S. Sen. Jon Kyl and Democratic challenger Jim Pederson at a debate this Wednesday in Tucson.
But the debate nearly fell through Friday when sponsor KUAT insisted on ensuring a place for Mack, who has about 2 percent support in polls.
Pederson and Kyl had struck an agreement to debate only each other, which was spelled out in a memo to KUAT along with other requirements.
Staffers from the two campaigns said the candidates had made the agreement so voters could focus on the two leading candidates and where they stand on issues.
It seems to be the only point the two sides have agreed on this election cycle.
KUAT didn't budge, arguing that a true public forum on public television should have all three candidates.
The PBS affiliate even briefly canceled the debate until Kyl and Pederson agreed to include Mack.
"We have a sterling record of what we have done in the community with our political forums," said Bill Buckmaster, host of "Arizona Illustrated." "We cannot exclude a candidate, even if he is polling 2 percent." |
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