Schansberg Criticizes Sodrel Excuse Not to Debate on October 1st

Here's the press release from Libertarian Schansberg for US House District 9:

"Contact:
Melanie Hughes
Campaign Manager, Schansberg for Congress
(502) 432-1930
SchansbergForCongress@gmail.com
www.SchansbergForCongress.com
or
Eric Schansberg
Libertarian Candidate
U.S. House, 9th District—IN
(812) 218-0443

September 19, 2006

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Sodrel reneges on debate commitment

Dr. Eric Schansberg, the Libertarian candidate for the U.S. House (9th District—IN), criticized Representative Mike Sodrel for back-tracking on his earlier commitment to debate Schansberg and Baron Hill in New Albany on October 1st. Sodrel's camp has offered the excuse that Congress might be in session on that day. But the likelihood of congressional activity on a Sunday—especially on the evening of Yom Kippur—seems quite remote. Indiana9 is trying to find a later date for Sodrel and has said they will hold the debate on October 1st if talks with Sodrel's camp are unsuccessful. Sodrel has also ignored Schansberg's proposal to compromise on potential debates—a proposal accepted by Baron Hill.

Schansberg said, "After the first debate, I can certainly see why Sodrel would want to avoid as many debates as possible. But it's a shame that he's not communicating with the other candidates, ignoring a reasonable debate proposal, and breaking his word. His excuse doesn't hold any water—and even if it did, it shows an inability to do long-term planning."

On debate strategy, Schansberg added, "It's interesting that Sodrel is willing to take such a big hit on this. Going into this debate, it was Hill who had been difficult—with his refusal to debate me in May on gas prices (after he had challenged Sodrel) and the ultimatum Hill had to swallow with WTIU. By pursuing a late date for the New Albany debate, Sodrel may be stalling for time or hoping that he can get out of the proposed debate in Jasper on November 1st. He verbally committed to that one too, but that doesn't appear to be worth very much."

For more information, contact Eric Schansberg at (812) 218-0443, Melanie Hughes at (502) 432-1930, or send an email to SchansbergForCongress@gmail.com.

END"