Chris Lee: Every Debate Left Behind

Amherst, NY – Today, congressional candidate Alice Kryzan, NY-26, called on her opponent Chris Lee to make good on his pledge to focus on the issues in this race by agreeing to participate in public debates. To date, Kryzan has committed to a number of public debates in order to let the voters hear directly from her, while Chris Lee has become an expert in debate dodging.

Of seven proposed debates, Lee has pulled out of two debates he had previously committed to and seems unwilling or unable to fit another four into his schedule. Lee has dodged debates at SUNY Geneseo, RNews and a candidate forum sponsored by the AARP, which has over 100,000 members in the district.

Lee also appears unwilling to explain his positions to voters who have contacted him directly. Recently a non-partisan group was unable to get answers from Lee on important issues such as trade, health care and jobs despite repeated requests by phone, e-mail and a personal visit to his campaign headquarters.

“For someone who claims to want to make this campaign about the issues, he’s fallen short,” said spokesperson Anne Wadsworth. “Few policy positions, few statements, few debates. It’s hard for voters to have any idea what Chris Lee stands for.”

It’s time for Lee to stop dodging and start debating. Public debates are a crucial chance for voters to understand how candidates plan to address the issues facing their lives. In these turbulent times, voters need to know where candidates stand more than ever.

The Kryzan campaign calls on Lee to commit to a series of public debates so that voters can understand the very real policy differences between the two candidates. The people of this district deserve no less.