NEWS

FOR RELEASE: On Receipt                                                                                                
April 24, 2008

Northern Virginia YRs Say Candidates Owe Region ‘Joint Appearance in Form of Debate’

Del. Bob Marshall (R., Manassas) on Thursday (April 24) accepted the invitation of three major Young Republican Clubs in Northern Virginia to a campaign debate in the third week of May with his opponent for the Republican nomination for the U.S. Senate.

“We have already had Gilmore refuse a debate that the Washington Times wanted to host,” Steve Waters, Marshall’s campaign manager, wrote in responding to the YRs’ invitation. “but we will be at your debate regardless if Gilmore shows or is absent.”

The nature of Waters’ response raised the prospect of an empty chair being placed at the YR-sponsored forum to underscore Gilmore’s absence should he decline the debate invitation as he did the earlier request.

The invitation, addressed to both Marshall and his opponent, Jim Gilmore, was signed by Michael J. Hardy, chairman of the Prince William Young Republicans; Dominic Lozaro, chairman of the Fairfax Area Young Republicans; and Brandy Dykes, chairwoman of the Arlington/Falls Church Area Young Republicans.

"Debates are crucial in any campaign,” the YR leaders’ letter says, “but they are particularly valuable for an intra-Party race where differences tend to manifest through subtle distinctions on issues and policy.  “Attendees to the Republican Party of Virginia's convention on May 31 will tremendously benefit from hearing your responses to key questions, side-by-side. Also, a debate is the only environment where convention-goers can assess how you will fare articulating our message against a very tough Democrat opponent.”

The YR leaders noted that both candidates spoke and answered questions at the April 5 convention of the Young Republican Federation of Virginia, but “the structure of the forum was ultimately lacking in its ability to provide a meaningful contrast for this very important race.”

“Considering Northern Virginia's importance in terms of overall convention delegates and ultimate electoral success,” the letter says, “the candidates owe the region a joint appearance in the form of a debate.”

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NEWS CONTACT:  Bill Kling, 804-580-4050 (phone), 804-761-4430 (cell), kling@usa.net

Marshall for Senate, Inc., Post Office Box 458, Manassas, Virginia 20108   ●   bobmarshall2008.com