{Republican Ray} Hunkins Proposes Seven Debates Across State {WY}

Cheyenne Wyoming Tribune-Eagle ^ | 08-26-06 | Wingert, Kevin

[Theodore R.]

Hunkins proposes 7 debates across state The Republican candidate said debates would carry his vision and the governor's to the people.

By Kevin Wingert rep3@wyomingnews.com Published in the Wyoming Tribune-Eagle

CHEYENNE - Republican gubernatorial candidate Ray Hunkins wants to relive a pivotal piece of U.S. history by engaging in seven debates throughout Wyoming with Democrat incumbent Gov. Dave Freudenthal.

"We can raise the level of debate and make this truly a campaign about the issues," Hunkins wrote in a letter to Freudenthal, referencing the historic debates between Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas in 1858. "To do it, we should engage the voters where they can participate."

Ryan Lance, campaign coordinator for Freudenthal, said, "The governor is happy to debate."

But he added that while the number of debates likely would increase from their current two, seven are unlikely, given the governor's schedule and his commitment to the state.

Responded Hunkins, "We think seven is a reasonable number. The governor's got a couple of airplanes - he could fly to them. I'd have to drive, but I'm happy to do that.

"He could probably find some state business and get it accomplished on the same trip."

Hunkins decried the current political climate of advertisements and pollsters. He said debates would help carry his and Freudenthal's visions for the state directly to the people.

Hunkins said many residents who use satellite for television don't have access to state channels, including Wyoming Public Television.

In an effort to bring the debate to as many people as possible, he said, he wants to hold a debate within the coverage area of seven of the state's daily newspapers, including Cheyenne.

Said Lance, "The governor is less concerned about the location and more concerned about the issues they address. We're happy to engage in debates with Mr. Hunkins."

He added the Freudenthal campaign has gotten several requests from people around the state to engage in debates on the issues.

On Sept. 18, 1858, Lincoln and Douglas began the first of seven debates that took place in the following weeks around Illinois as they campaigned for the office of U.S. senator.

Douglas prevailed in the statewide race, but Lincoln emerged on the national political scene as a result of the debates. Three years later he became the 16th president of the United States of America.

"I am not comparing you and me to Abe Lincoln and Stephen Douglas," Hunkins wrote in his letter. "But we can follow their example."

[Theodore R.]

Hunkins seems determined to make a race for the governorship, but the odds are overwhelmingly against him.

[MassachusettsGOP]

Freud' is as Conservative as Democrats get. But this is Wyoming, Republicans are always strong here, and though Hunkins probably won't win, the state's overwhelming Republican voter registration will alone keep this race somewhat close.

[Theodore R.]

Freud' is a staunch clintoid.

[MassachusettsGOP]

That says more about Democrats than it does about himself.