Rutledge For US Senate Request For MD GOP Senate Debate At Convention

March 31, 2010

Via Email and First Class Mail

Ms. Audrey Scott
Chairman, Maryland Republican Party
15 West Street
Annapolis, MD 21401

Dear Chairman Scott:

Next month, the Maryland GOP’s spring convention commences in Ocean City, Maryland. This is an historic year that warrants bold action to energize the party. I kindly request the Maryland Republican Party to schedule a debate among all of the Republican United States Senatorial candidates at the convention in Ocean City and open that debate to the party and the public. There is no substitute for a good old-fashioned, hard-hitting public debate. I trust you will recognize the opportunity to embrace our Constitutional heritage in the tradition of the Lincoln-Douglas debates that gave birth to our party.

The democrats in Washington just locked the America people and the Republicans out of the debate on the most sweeping legislation passed in our lifetime. Not hosting a debate for the US Senate race would be hypocrisy. President Obama, Harry Reid, and Nancy Pelosi left the American public out in the cold. Now is the time for the MD GOP to invite the public in. The Ocean City convention will provide an opportunity to show that our party will open its doors to all Marylanders including Democrats, Independents, and Republicans to see our first amendment and democracy in action. Unlike the Democrats, Republicans do not shy away from open debate; instead, we embrace it and make it happen.

I also suggest that it is very important in this political climate for the Maryland Republican Party to go the extra mile to show a sense of fairness to all candidates by providing a US Senate debate at the convention. This sense of fair play is important in building party unity to help achieve the ultimate goal of electing Republicans in November.

If you need any assistance with establishing a debate format, I recommend that you consult with Eli Gold of the Harbour League or the leaders of the 42nd District Republican Club in Towson. Both hosted excellent debates for the US Senate candidates, which sadly were not attended by all of the candidates. A debate at the convention will assure the participation of all candidates.

I look forward to your acceptance of this proposal for freedom. Thank you.

Sincerely,

Jim Rutledge
United States Senatorial Candidate