Melancon's Tea Party Debate Dodge

Baton Rouge - U.S. Senate candidates in Louisiana will face off in a general election debate sponsored by the Red River Tea Party, but Democrat candidate Charlie Melancon will not be joining them. In a press release distributed late last month Charlie Melancon said “we need to allow real people to ask us real, unscreened questions, and force us to defend and explain our positions, our actions, and our records. We’re running for Senate – we should answer to as many voters as possible before Election Day.” But, despite Melancon’s rhetoric, he is an expected no-show at tonight’s debate and has yet to confirm his participation in any Tea Party forum anywhere in Louisiana.

“Based on Melancon’s statement and his failure to take questions from grassroots fiscal conservatives concerned about the rapid growth in the size and scope of government, one would have to conclude that Melancon thinks Tea Party members are either not 'real people' or simply not voters,” said Republican Party of Louisiana Communications Director Aaron Baer. “News flash Charlie – these are exactly the type of voters who are going to show up in droves on November 2nd. Circumventing their forums and dodging their questions is no way to win their support.”

In June of this year a survey conducted by Rasmussen Reports found that 52% of Louisiana’s likely voters felt the Tea Party movement was good for our country and just 23% felt it was bad. In spite of this widespread support for a movement grounded in individual freedoms and fiscal responsibility, Melancon is evading their questions, accusing them of “fear mongering,” and likening them to fringe liberal organizations like MoveOn.org. “Melancon’s decision to avoid public forums hosted by Tea Party organizations exposes the hypocrisy behind his debate challenge,” said Baer. “Whether it is fiscal responsibility or debate participation, Melancon has shown a penchant for saying one thing and doing the exact opposite. Louisiana deserves better.”