Republican Kallgren Ready to Debate; Democrat Dingell Drags Feet
Cynthia Kallgren, Republican candidate for the new 12th Congressional District has accepted an invitation from the Wyandotte Rotarians to debate the incumbent, John Dingell, on October 23, to be moderated by Rochelle Riley of the Detroit Free Press. However, even though the invitation was extended weeks ago, Dingell's office continues to stall. Although stating that the debate date may interfere with congressional responsibilities, Dingell's office has suggested a solo appearance for the congressman before the Rotarians.
Kallgren recently won the Republican nomination for the new 12th District by edging out Karen Jacobson, a Dearborn business woman who outspent Kallgren by more than ten to one. Kallgren represents a "fresh face and a woman's voice," and is eager to contrast her message of financial responsibility and quality of life issues for constituents of the 12th District with Dingell's tax-and-spend habits of the past 57 years. Certified as a special education teacher when she graduated from EMU, Kallgren is married with adult children, and has operated a small business in Trenton. A community activist, she has worked on legislation affecting women's issues that has been adopted in Lansing.
The new 12th District covers Ann Arbor, Dearborn, Downriver and points between, and is a diverse slice of America with blue-collar towns, academic enclaves, immigrant communities, farms, and wealthy suburbs. Click here for a map of the district. You can find out more about Cynthia Kallgren at www.kallgrenforcongress.com
Sharon
10:42 am on Monday, August 27, 2012
Hmmmm... Would it perhaps have been possible to have written this article without such obvious bias? Reads more like a paid political advertisement.
Sharon
8:59 am on Tuesday, August 28, 2012
I guess I misunderstood. I thought that the Trenton-Patch was supposed to be reporting local news. Now I see from looking at past articles, that this is nothing more than a thinly disguised campaign vehicle for Ms. Kallgreen. Even the article about Congressman Dingell's voting record contains a campaign photo at the top of the page for Ms. Kallgren. My mistake for thinking there was any attempt at "fair and balanced" reporting. WTG, FOX news......er.....I mean.....Trenton Patch.
Jessica Carreras
10:01 am on Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Hi Sharon,
Cynthia Kallgren chooses to blog about her campaign on Trenton, Dearborn and Wyandotte Patch - all within the 12th District. This is NOT an article written by Patch editors or reporters, which is why it focuses entirely on Kallgren's opinions. Blogging is open to all candidates, and John Dingell's campaign has so far chosen not to take advantage of this opportunity.
Here's an example of some of our actual coverage of the 12th District race: http://trenton-grosseile.patch.com/articles/12th-district-congressional-race
Hope that helps clear this up! Any time you see a post that says "Kallgren for Congress" as the author, it's a post by the candidate and her campaign, not Patch.
Jack Jones
11:16 am on Monday, August 27, 2012
It simply states the facts and gives a description of who Cynthia is as a candidate. I see nothing wrong with the blog post. In fact I recommend signing this petition to force Johnny Dingell to debate! If he's too old to debate then he's to old to represent us!
http://www.change.org/petitions/congressman-john-dingell-agree-to-debate-republican-opponent-cynthia-kallgren
Ron
11:17 am on Monday, August 27, 2012
No disrespect to the Wyandotte Rotary Club but a debate between the two would mean very little to the 12th District as a whole. Sure, the new candidate would like to use every opportunity to get her name and message out there. A debate between the two with such a small audience would have little if any impact on the election. However, an organized debate on one of the local television stations or cable networks would obviously make more sense.
Butch Snyder
2:41 pm on Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Ron, the Wyandotte Rotary Club is small, however, the debate was envisioned to invite the entire public of the district and media to the event. It was to be held in a large venue, not the weekly Rotary meetings for members only and a choice of times for the event was also offered for convenience and live media coverage.
Ron
11:28 am on Monday, August 27, 2012
Jack Jones reference to the congressmans age is totally disrespectful and discriminatory. If Mr. Jones thinks this election hinges on a debate between the two candidates in front of a small group of Rotarians, he's totally clueless when it comes to politics or election strategies. One thing that is clear however is his support for the Republican newcomer.
Jack Jones
11:42 am on Monday, August 27, 2012
The election doesn't hinge on a debate just held in front of the Rotarians however, as a former democrat I am frustrated that Mr. Dingell only wants to talk to the Rotary and surrounding community as a solo candidate. He's afraid to be compared with his opponent because he knows it will make him look bad. Yes, he is an experienced politician but what has he ever done for Michigan and Downriver besides pass a jobs killing healthcare bill that we can't pay for.
Jack Jones
11:45 am on Monday, August 27, 2012
Also, being familiar with the Wyandotte rotary I am sure that they would invite the press to televise the debate if Mr. Dingell accepted.
Patty
1:15 pm on Monday, August 27, 2012
Congressman Dingell is "The Father of Obamacare". Dingell is 86 years old and if he wins re-election in Michigan CD12, he will become the longest serving member of Congress in the history of the United States. Dingell has met a road block to securing his place in history. And it is a determined woman named Cynthia Kallgren (R) who is a mom and businesswoman who is willing to work hard and listen to the people in D12.
Dingell’s strategy is to avoid debating Cynthia before the November election. Why Mr. Dingell? Please sign this petition and tell Dingell and the Democrats that they must face the voters not just post old reruns of John Stewart on their websites if they want to earn their seats in Congress:
https://www.change.org/petitions/congressman-john-dingell-agree-to-debate-republican-opponent-cynthia-kallgren
Dingell’s unwillingness to speak to WE THE PEOPLE represents what is wrong with Washington. Please go to Cynthia's site and help her campaign. Dingell has raised over a million dollars to stay in Washington. If we all get involved, we send someone to Washington who will fight for us instead of being a vote for liberal progressive policies:
http://www.kallgrenforcongress.com/#!home/mainPage
And if you live in Michigan D12, also click the volunteer button to make calls or walk for Cynthia!!!
When we work TOGETHER, we WIN elections!!! Please get involved today.
Laura Mason
10:22 am on Monday, October 1, 2012
Sure would like to see a debate. The Congressman should demonstrate that he has the mental acuity to represent this district. We know he has a willingness to spend tax dollars, but need to find out if he has any sense of fiscal responsibility.