It seems that Ben’s handlers are concerned about having their candidate on stage alone with Allen. I don’t blame them.”
— Eric Wareham, Alley Campaign Manager
So, after accepting Allen Alley’s challenge to a series of debates around the state, Ben Westlund is now insisting that the Constitution Party candidate be included. [1]Why? Is it because he thinks the Constitution Party, which failed to field a candidate in the Treasurer’s race in 1996, “received 1% of the vote in 2000, and 3% in 2004, stands a legitimate chance of winning? Is it because he thinks audiences would benefit from a discussion about the constitutionality of the Federal Reserve or why taxes and fees levied in Oregon should be paid in pre-1965 U.S. coinage? Nope. Alley’s campaign manager had it right; Ben Westlund doesn’t want to be on stage alone with Alley. If he were, Alley would clearly come across as the more qualified candidate.
Oregon voters would benefit from a good series of debates that draws out the experience and policy platforms of the two main candidates who will likely garner at least 95% of the combined vote. Westlund, acting out of self-preservation, just wants to muddy the water.