Steve King’s response was that he didn’t think there needed to be a debate because, according to King, there was “no difference” between him and Scholten on the issues. Even casual observers of this race, or anyone who has opened a newspaper in the last 15 years, would find that excuse beyond the pale.
Showing a shocking lack of respect for our Democratic process and their constituents, King’s staff has gone so far as to brag about mocking citizensechoing Scholten’s call to debate.
Even Scholten and King’s hometown paper, the Sioux City Journal, agrees that debates are important for voters in the fourth district who are undecided to make an informed decision at the ballot box in November.
“Congressman King knows that his record of skipping critical hearings and votes to go galivanting off on special-interest-funded trips to Austria and Russia won’t stand up to scrutiny from the hardworking people of the Fourth District,” said Iowa Democratic Party Spokesperson Tess Seger.
“That’s why he’s scared to face his opponent and the people of Northwest Iowa, and since he can’t come up with a legitimate reason to skip the debate, he’s resorting to childish nonsense that insults the intelligence of his constituents.”
Not only has Steve King not held a debate or a town hall in the district in years, he also owes his constituents, most of who live in rural areas, answers on critical issues like the Trade War and tariffs. King has also travelled to Austria five times on the taxpayers’ dime to meet with neo nazi and far right groups. King seems to think he can escape being held accountable by avoiding debates all together, but polls in the district continue to show J.D. Scholten within striking distance.