The City Club of Cleveland is hosting a Democratic U.S. Senate primary debate today with P.G. Sittenfeld and Kelli Prather.
Unsurprisingly, “Retread” Ted Strickland won’t show up.
Strickland’s debate-ducking and lack of respect for the democratic process has not gone unnoticed. Democratic leaders across the state have bucked both the state and national Democratic Party to call for debates or throw their support behind Sittenfeld:
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Former Democratic Governor Dick Celeste: “I’m frankly disappointed that Governor Strickland hasn’t agreed to debate P.G.,” and, “I think it’s a disservice to both the democratic process and the voters.”
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Akron Democratic Mayor Tom Sawyer: “If you want to get a date for the prom, you probably ought to ask.”
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Former Democratic state House Majority Leader Tracy Maxwell Heard: “He’s been a ghost, he’s not been speaking to any of the issues, he’s refusing to debate,” and “You have to be on the field to actually be in the fight, and Ted has been invisible.”
- Dr. Bill Angel, Professor and former Allen County Democratic Party Chairman: “…He’s challenged Strickland to debates but Strickland says no, that’s a waste of time,” and “I think the Ohio Democrats made a real mistake by laying hands on Strickland back in April.
In addition to local Party leaders, editorial boards across the state have called on Strickland to participate in debates:
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The Blade: “Debate, Mr. Strickland” (Editorial, 2/4/16)
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The Plain Dealer: "Ted Strickand’s telling no-show on City Club debate” (Editorial, 1/20/16)
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Akron Beacon Journal: "Ted Strickland makes the case for why he should debate P.G. Sittenfeld” (Editorial, 1/17/16)
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Akron Beacon Journal: “Let’s have debates, Democrats” (Editorial, 1/7/16)
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Akron Beacon Journal: “Let’s have debates between P.G. Sittenfeld and Ted Strickland” (Editorial, 12/3/15)
- The Blade: "Open to debate: The Ohio Democratic Party should embrace, not ignore, the opportunity Mr. Sittenfeld’s campaign provides" (Editorial, 8/3/15)