FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 20, 2008
David Davis Ducks Debate and Dodges Legitimate Questions
Johnson City, TN - Embattled incumbent David Davis has refused to participate in the Johnson City Press Congressional Candidate Forum, which was to take place at the Johnson City Public Library on Tuesday, June 24, 2008 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
With rising controversy concerning his having taken 300 contributions from special interest groups, political action committees and corporations, Davis has brushed off an opportunity to discuss the issues in an open and honest debate. According to Robert Houk, Editorial writer for the Johnson City Press, questions would have come from their Editorial Board and from the general public.
Ironically, a press release on David Davis' website "challenges Congressional candidates to step out and debate the issues" and "meet with me... for a serious of debates to take place in each county across the district."
Johnson City Mayor and Republican candidate Dr. Phil Roe said, "People are sick and tired of politics as usual - 30-second ads and slick sound bites. The cure is to give ordinary people the chance to ask important questions about where the candidates truly stand on the issues. I'd love to debate David Davis in a public forum in each county. I'm eager to share my record of applying conservative concepts to city government, and I'd like to explain why I'm the better candidate on issues like healthcare, veterans, and sanctity of life and other issues."
Keith Spicer, former Campaign Manager for David Davis who has joined the Roe camp as Campaign Manager, said "David may be the incumbent, but the voters don't really know him. He should have taken this chance to prove that he is more than a window dressing conservative who has no real accomplishments to speak of. I suppose that he knows voters will see the clear distinctions between himself and Phil Roe. As a physician, veteran, and civic leader, Phil Roe has a unique set of life experiences that have better prepared him to put people over politics."
Roe continued, "I have accepted Mr. Davis' challenge, but David has changed his mind. Why did he do that? I guess I'd be too busy to debate if I thought I'd have to face the music concerning more than 300 contributions from special interest groups like big oil and big tobacco. If David has nothing to be ashamed of, why would he flip-flop on his own debate
challenge?"
Phil Roe is seeking to serve as Congressman for the first Congressional District of Tennessee.