Hey, Cait, why won’t you debate?

Dear Editor,

The North Salem Republican Town Committee believes the voters of New York’s 17th Congressional District deserve a full and open exchange of ideas before casting their ballots in what is expected to be one of the most closely watched congressional races in the nation.

Congressman Mike Lawler has publicly challenged Cait Conley to a series of six televised debates and public forums. As of this writing, she has not accepted those invitations.

Why not?

If Ms. Conley believes she is ready to represent one of the nation’s most competitive congressional districts, there is no better place to demonstrate that than on a debate stage.

There are important questions voters deserve to hear answered directly, not through campaign advertisements or carefully crafted press releases.

Ms. Conley proudly campaigned alongside Congressman Pat Ryan, saying she was “so incredibly proud” to do so. Yet she has also sought to distinguish herself from some of his positions, including on military aid to Israel. Voters deserve to hear her explain those differences in her own words. If she agrees with Congressman Ryan, she should say so. If she disagrees, she should explain why. A debate is where those differences should be discussed openly.

The same is true regarding transparency. During the Democratic primary, fellow Democrat Beth Davidson publicly questioned Ms. Conley’s consulting work involving artificial intelligence and government contractors. Congressman Lawler has also raised questions about those relationships. If ever elected to Congress, Ms. Conley would help oversee legislation affecting defense spending, homeland security, artificial intelligence and federal procurement. Those are legitimate issues for voters to hear addressed directly before Election Day.

Unlike Congressman Lawler, who has made himself available through numerous town halls across the 17th Congressional District, taking questions from supporters, critics, and undecided voters alike, Ms. Conley has yet to demonstrate the same willingness to stand before the public in an open debate. Whether one agrees 100% with Congressman Lawler or not, his accessibility reflects the type of accountability voters should expect from anyone seeking to represent them in Washington.

Furthermore, Ms. Conley has never held elected public office. She has no legislative record, no public voting history, and no governing experience for voters to evaluate. That makes open debates even more important. Without a public record to examine, voters deserve every opportunity to assess her knowledge, judgment, and readiness to serve in Congress.

Campaign advertisements are scripted. Debates and town halls are not.

Just as importantly, these debates should take place well before absentee ballots are mailed and before early voting begins, not after thousands of voters have already cast their ballots. Every voter deserves the opportunity to compare both candidates side by side, hear them answer the same questions, and make an informed decision before voting starts.

The North Salem Republican Town Committee believes that open debate is not simply a campaign tactic, it is a cornerstone of our democracy. Candidates asking for the privilege of representing nearly 800,000 residents in CD-17 should welcome the opportunity to defend their ideas, explain their positions, and answer tough questions from both moderators and the public.

The voters of the Hudson Valley deserve nothing less.

-The North Salem Republican Town Committee