yeah, Newt sure did, but that wasn’t the issue here, so don’t try to change it.
Your’re trying to call Santorum out as a coward who’s afraid to debate Newt and portray Newt as someone who’s willing to take on and debate anyone, when the historical record says otherwise.
As for 1994, I agree it wasn’t necessary for Newt to debate Cooter as his district was heavily safe and there was no gain he could make from it. I would argue in the same manner it is wise for Santorum not to debate anymore either for the same reason, because even if he does well, people like you won’t give him any credit anyway. So why bother?
Why in Sam Hill would Newt Gingrich debate anyone named Cooter?! I imagine Newt would draw the line at matching wits with an unarmed person.