Buehler Renews Challenge to Brown to join in 10 Debates

Buehler called for Brown to join him in 10 debates after his successful primary election campaign on May 15

TUALATIN, Ore. — Today, Rep. Knute Buehler sent a formal letter to Governor Brown’s campaign renewing his challenge for the Governor to join him for 10 debates – two in each of Oregon’s five Congressional Districts – between July 1 and October 21.

“My hope is that each joint appearance would create the opportunity for Oregonians to hear from us, compare our records, and ideas and visions for Oregon’s future,” said Buehler. “I would like Oregonians, regardless of who they are, where they live, or how they vote, as well as impartial journalists, to have the opportunity to ask us questions.”

Buehler proposed both campaigns accept the invitation of the Oregon Newspaper Publishers Association to appear at their annual conference on Friday, July 20, in Central Oregon. He also suggested each campaign call upon a representative to handle the scheduling of events and introduced former state representative John Davis as his campaign’s contact.

Buehler had called on Brown to join him for 10 debates during his primary election night speech on May 15. The Buehler campaign has not yet heard from Brown on this request.

A copy of the letter is included below:

May 30, 2018

Honorable Governor Kate Brown
PO Box 8069
Portland, OR 97207

Dear Governor Brown,

Congratulations on your nomination. With the primary behind us, I’d like to formally propose we meet for ten debates, forums, or joint appearances – two in each of Oregon’s five Congressional Districts – between July 1 and October 21. I use the terms “debate”, “forum” and “joint appearance” interchangeably because in the end, I believe the exact terminology for the event is far less important than the substance of what we each share at each appearance.

I am flexible about the hosts and locations of the events. My hope is that each joint appearance would create the opportunity for Oregonians to hear from us, compare our records, and ideas and visions for Oregon’s future. I would like Oregonians, regardless of who they are, where they live, or how they vote, as well as impartial journalists, to have the opportunity to ask us questions. I would like to limit the role of activist organizations, regardless of their issues or ideology, in planning, hosting and questioning candidates. I am also open to having some appearances include minor party candidates.

To get things started, I would like to propose that we both accept the invitation of the Oregon Newspaper Publishers Association to appear at their annual conference on Friday, July 20, in Central Oregon.

Because of the many details that need to be addressed, along with many invitations we’re both receiving, I’d recommend that we both appoint representatives from our campaigns to hammer out the details of the events. I have asked former State Representative John Davis to represent my campaign. He is standing by to go to work to create these important opportunities for Oregonians to hear from both of us.

Sincerely,
Knute Buehler