August
2006
Reynolds Chickens Out of Debate
State Senator Tom Reynolds agreed to debate his opponent, Wauwatosa Alderman Jim Sullivan but is now backing out, citing the possibility of cameras being in the audience.
This isn't the first time Reynolds has shown himself to be camera shy. We broke the story on May 10th that Reynolds said No to recording his town hall meeting in a public building in Wauwatosa. (When the head Librarian in charge later found out about this, Reynolds received a harsh scolding proving once and for all that librarians aren't to be messed with.)
The folks at the Unitarian Universalist Church West who agreed to host the event are more than a touch upset at being dis'ed by their own Senator. You can read the document that Tom Reynolds signed agreeing to the debate (postmarked July 14th) here.
###
Link: WisPolitics: Reynolds Drops Out of Debate; Fears Opponents Will Tape Event for Ads
Update: Link: JSOnline Spivak & Bice: Camera-shy senator fears making ad fodder
Jim McGuigan
Jim McGuigan, Reynolds Watch, Watchdogging Campaigns
RSS feed
Link
If the Senator is a no-show for the debate it will only reinforce the notion amongst his constituency that he has no spine.
Is this really a big surprise!!?? Tom Reynolds should appear and participate and present his views in a firm and confident manner. He should demonstrate that his views might be objectionable to some, but that he carries the courage of his convictions. Let the voters decide!!!
What this incident shows is Reynolds\’ arrogant, dismissive and utter contempt for the constituents he purportedly represents. A legislator who does not want his picture taken because someone might \”find some facial expression that looks unbecoming and using it as an attack ad\” is a coward. Senator Reynolds should know that election year politics is a contact sport. Haven\’t we seen that in the last week? What a scaredy cat!!!
This is a gutless move by someone who claims to forcefully represent us in Madison. Does he really believe that his constituents are going to base their vote on attack ads rather than legislative agenda and proposals? We are more intelligent than Senator Reynolds assumes. …
That\’s why Jim Sullivan will prevail.