IOWA DEMOCRATIC PARTY CHAIRMAN MICHAEL KIERNAN CALLS FOR OPEN, PUBLIC DEBATES IN THE PRIMARY
The Republican candidates for governor are scheduled to debate on April 7, but the debate, hosted by KTIV, will be embargoed until it airs on Saturday April 10.
Iowa Democratic Party Chairman Michael Kiernan released the following statement calling for open, public debates in the Republican Primary.
“Iowa’s voters should not just be disappointed, but outraged, to hear that the Republican candidates for governor agreed to a closed debate. It is wrong to allow only a select few people to know what these candidates say before the voters know.
"More importantly, it is absurd that any candidate for the Republican nomination would agree to this blackout. It is a disservice to Iowa’s voters and our democratic system.
“Let there be no doubt, Governor Chet Culver and our Democratic candidates will only participate in debates that are open to the press and to the public. It’s essential for the press and the public to have immediate access to what candidates say about their views and positions.
“Bob Vander Plaats and Rod Roberts called for these debates and I’m asking them both today to stand with me in making sure that the public and the press have the access they need. Terry Branstad should also be willing to openly discuss and explain the litany of changed positions and flip flops that plague his run for governor.
”I challenge all of them to deny this blackout and ensure that each of these debates is open and transparent for Iowa’s voters.”