Clinton and Oregon Governor Call for Two Oregon Debates

Oregon Gov. Ted Kulongoski sent supporters an e-mail calling for two debates between Sen. Hillary Clinton and Sen. Barack Obama in advance of the Beaver State's May 20 primary.

Kulongoski, who supports Clinton, writes a note to folks on his political mailing list and includes a link to his "petition" to urge a debate, which conveniently links back to Clinton's Web site.

She appears in a video urging two debates, which is interesting since this is not something the campaign sent to the press as far as I know.

"The Pacific Northwest hasn't had a single presidential debate," Clinton tells the camera, before proposing two debates because Oregon voters deserve as much information as Iowa and New Hampshire.

One debate would be entirely focused on Oregon's rural issues, she says. "I hope that Senator Obama agrees Oregon deserves nothing less."

Here is Kulongoski's note:

In less than two weeks we'll be voting. Oregonians will make a decision which will impact the rest of our lives. The stakes cannot be higher, which is why I am standing with Hillary Clinton's challenge to hold two presidential debates - one on rural issues - right here in Oregon.

Oregon deserves just as much attention -- and just as much information to make its decision -- as Iowa, New Hampshire, and Pennsylvania.

Join me in signing a petition calling for two presidential debates in Oregon:

www.debateoregon.com

Debates about real issues -- Oregon issues -- are good for the state and healthy for our democracy. Tomorrow I will be touring the state talking about a new Oregon Compact -- Hillary's promise to our state to have a partner in the White House. The Compact is made up of some of the most important ideas Hillary has heard from Oregonians since the start of her campaign.

The Compact should be the starting point of the debate. How we bring green collar jobs to our state, how we make our state and nation more energy secure and how we will work together to bring health care to all Oregonians.

I could not be more proud to support a candidate who not only will work for Oregonians, but who will also listen to Oregonians. No matter which candidate you support, I hope you will join me in calling for two presidential debates on the issues in Oregon.

We need to hear the candidate's views on Oregon issues -- sign the petition today:

www.debateoregon.com

You deserve to hear from both candidates. I look forward to the next month and I hope Senator Obama agrees to the challenge.

Sincerely,

Governor Ted Kulongoski

Christina Bellantoni, national political reporter, The Washington Times

Comments

[Leebot]

Yes, we in Oregon HAVE watched the debates -- we aren't insulated and I find that comment by GDLiberal to be quite ignorant and insulting.

Kulongski -- a Clinton supporter -- is simply trying to figure out how to drum up more support in a state that is almost certainly in the bag for Obama, and of course The Oregonian newspaper endorsed Obama long ago. Interesting that Kulongski suggests the debate focus on RURAL Oregon issues. I suppose the cities don't have any issues to discuss? Or wait . . .I forgot . . .according to Bill Clinton, we're one of those non-president-needing BOUTIQUE states.

No, the Clintons and their triangulation have already alienated a good number of us in this Blue State who might have otherwise been happy with either Democrat. It will be interesting to see how she reinvents herself if she suddenly decides this might be an important state.

[GDliberal]

"Yes, we in Oregon HAVE watched the debates -- we aren't insulated and I find that comment by GDLiberal to be quite ignorant and insulting. "

It was meant as an insult to your Gov., a clinton supporter, no one else.

[Leebot]

Thank you for clarifying your intention. Much appreciated.

[thegaygardener]

Don't be baited Barack!
This is bullshit!
JUST SAY NO!
There have been more than 20 debates! Enough already
They only serve now as forums for Clinton. And for so-called journalists (formerly Clinton staffers) |to sucker punch you with their "gotcha" questions!
She needs the debates, you don't.
People are already with you or against you.
One more debate with your second runner up won't change a single mind!

Start preparing for the OBAMA/MCCAIN DEBATES in the Fall.

[Bluesue]

For god's sake - NO MORE DEBATES! What have we had, 20 debates? More? Enough already.

I want the next debate to be between Obama and McCain. I'm hoping Obama can make McCain lose his temper on national TV.

[Countess]

I would tell her politely to go to hell. After the last fixed smear job called a debate Obama would be nuts to take part in a such a farce.

[SaddieMcCall]

So did the Pacific Northwest not have an opportunity to watch the 22 debates that I've seen on tv during the past year?

[Gibbons]

Obama is afraid to debate. He won't be able to get out of debating McCain and some of those debates will be hosted by Fox news.

[Syco]

IF he was smart he would play the race card

[GDliberal]

Must not have been easy for Oregon Gov. Ted Kulongoski to admit that the people of Oregon don't pay any attention to politics that occur outside of their "special" world.

[devadasi]

We don't need another debate, unless it's sponsored by The League of Women Voters or a group like that.. The TV networks have proven they don't know how to run a substantial classy debate. For Clinton it's another opportunity to play 'gotha'.

[BeyondGoodAndEvil2]

These debates are so tiresome and serve only to trivialize and sound bite the important issues we face as a country, by dwelling on flag pins and other irrelevancies.

[Nommo]

Oregon issues? Please fall into the Pacific or make it so that the debates are broadcast only in Oregon.
The rest of us have had quite enough. Maybe y'all take Gibson and Stephy, make 'em honorary or permanent residents.

[desmirl]

What do you bet that if MSNBC offered to host both debates, the crazy old WARMONGER aunt would decide she had other committments?

[MPeter]

No, Obama should not accept these debates. They have become stoopid; inane. Hillary and the old Dem establishment as well as her friends in the media use them to ambush and basically tanish Obama. We are not learning anything from them. The candidates should only campaign. Make large and small rallies, use those to educate voters on what they--the candidates have to offer. No more foolish inanities from ABC, MSNBC or CNN. We have seen what the media can do.