Case Welcomes Hirono's Change of Mind on a Statewide Televised Debate

Says voters are owed opportunity but devil in details

News Release from Case for Senate

Former Congressman and U.S. Senate candidate Ed Case welcomed Congresswoman Mazie Hirono's acceptance of at least one statewide televised debate.

"We appreciate Mazie's change of mind. This is clearly a critical election and voters are owed the opportunity to fully consider our records, beliefs, and agendas and make an informed decision about who can get the job done in the Senate over the next generation.

"But, the devil is in the details. There are 40 days before the August 11th Democratic primary election. These must be real debates that reach most voters in primetime before they cast their votes, whether it be on August 11th or by absentee mail-in or walk-in voting.

"I'm also not sure how Mazie intends to choose among our main network television stations who have extended four debate invitations. I've accepted them all, and I believe she should as well.

"As to Mazie's comments on my acceptance of the first general election debate with Linda Lingle on Maui just four days after the primary, I said that and all other general debates clearly depend on the voters' decision in the primary. The point is that both Linda and I are committed to a full debate schedule statewide. We're ready to debate issues, not whether or not to have debates.

"Mazie has not made the same commitment to the voters. I call on her to answer yes or no today whether she will also have real debates with Linda Lingle, including the first invitation on Maui, if she prevails."

###