No debates. No joint appearances. No show.
Local GOP candidates are cancelling their debate appearances.
The public deserves better.
The abortion issue and Trump have made campaigning complicated for Republicans. County Commissioner candidate Al Densmore, an Independent, is challenging Republican incumbent Colleen Roberts. He wrote to me listing multiple events that were spoiled by no-shows:
On September 13, all four candidates [for Commissioner] were invited to joint televised appearances sponsored by the Ashland Chamber of Commerce, the two incumbent Republican candidates declined. On October 4, Southern Oregon Climate Action Now invited all four candidates, the two incumbent Republican candidates declined. On October 10th a joint appearance was arranged by the League of Women Voters of the Rogue Valley and last Friday I was notified by the League that the event was cancelled because it is League policy not to have an event with but one candidate present.
Democratic State Senator Jeff Golden has a Republican opponent, Randy Sparacino. Sparacino just cancelled an October 12 joint appearance at Southern Oregon University scheduled to accommodate a date chosen by Sparacino himself. Golden said he was disappointed because it was the largest debate event for the campaign.Â
Golden said he hoped a live event would force candidates from all parties to give straight answers.Â
 That’s especially true in this race, where some District Three residents have been trying hard to get answers to two questions: In the wake of the Supreme Court’s Dobbs decision, would Mr. Sparacino protect access to abortion for Oregon women? And what is his position on the Jackson County Republican Party’s declaration that the 2020 election was stolen and that Joe Biden is not the legitimate president?
Abortion and election-denial are two issues that give Republican candidates a dilemma. To be on good terms with the Republican majority a candidate needs to support a total or near-total ban on abortion. Some states where Republicans have majorities have bans so complete that even prescribing contraception is forbidden. In neighboring state Idaho the state university health clinics have stopped offering contraceptive services because the state abortion law is so comprehensive. Birth control pills, IUDs, and even condoms are forbidden to be discussed or dispensed, unless the condom is marked that it is intended only for the prevention of disease.
Trump continues to insist that he won the 2020 election and that Biden is illegitimate. Local Republicans have declared this to be official policy. Do the GOP candidates agree? A live appearance might flush out a straight answer.
Campaign advertisements are no substitute for public appearances. Mail I received yesterday is a perfect example. Oregon Right to Life supports Randy Sparacino's campaign. The organization supports a total ban on abortions, with laws like the ones enacted in Idaho. They sent me a large, glossy postcard mailer. It has a goofy looking black and white photo of Golden, a photo of a cute baby, characterizations of Golden's purported position on abortion, and a strong call to "Vote against Jeff Golden." Â
The ad does not reveal Sparacino's position beyond saying he opposes late-term abortions. Well, of course. I know no one who thinks late term abortions are acceptable except under tragic and extraordinary conditions. The question is, what does Sparacino support? Does he want an Idaho-style ban on abortions and contraception? Would he allow contraception that stops implantation? Would he support abortions for victims of rape? Oregon Right to Life has expectations of Republican candidates. Will he come through for them--or disappoint them?
Same with Republican legislatures overturning elections. A Republican legislature may have the power to overrule Oregon's popular vote for president and cast those electoral votes for Trump. Trump and others urged that in 2020, and say they will again in 2024. Does that sound extreme? The GOP candidate for Oregon Secretary of State in 2018 urged that states do exactly that in the 2020 election. She remains in good standing in the Oregon senate today.
Live appearances put candidates on the spot. A sharp question forces them to come clean. It also gives them a chance to say in their own words what they think.
Voters deserve to know. That means candidates need to show up.
Until I hear some substantive answers to your questions, I will not even consider Mr. Sparacino. Anyone who has worked in local government as much as he has must have definite opinions on
local, regional and national issues. We deserve to know what they are.
For clarification, there is a debate scheduled between Randy and Jeff on October 17th on NBC5 News at 6:00.