Senator Somers: Opponent Desperate for Debate About Process to Distract from Radical, Malloy-Inspired Agenda

GROTON — State Sen. Heather Somers of Groton slammed her Democratic opponent Thursday for trying to generate a debate about process in order to distract from the issues — and for avoiding opportunities to answer questions of critical importance for Connecticut voters.

“My opponent is clearly desperate to engage in a debate about process in order to distract from the issues that are critically important to the prosperity of our region and Connecticut families,” Somers said. “It is clear he is more interested in scoring cheap political points than attempting to defend his extreme, Malloy-inspired agenda and the impact it would have on eastern Connecticut’s economy.”

Somers noted that Bob Statchen skipped a recent candidate forum hosted by the Home Builders & Remodelers Association of Connecticut and the Eastern Connecticut Association of Realtors and has ducked committing to a scheduled debate on October 16 to be hosted by the HBRAC.

“It is the height of hypocrisy for a political candidate to claim an opponent is avoiding debates — while skipping candidate forums and ducking debates that are actually scheduled and on the books,” Somers said. “This is the kind of political nonsense my opponent has learned from the school of Dan Malloy that voters are so tired of hearing.”

Somers also pointed out that it was her campaign that suggested high school students be given an opportunity to participate in The New London Day debate to be held on October 17.

“My opponent claims he wants to give high schoolers a chance to participate in the process — yet he’s done nothing to help facilitate an actual opportunity for that to happen,” Somers said. “In contrast, my campaign has suggested to The Day that all high schoolers be given an opportunity to participate in their scheduled debate.”

“I spend every day fighting for results for eastern Connecticut, challenging the status quo in Hartford and working for stronger, more prosperous communities,” Somers continued. “I am thrilled to have so many opportunities to discuss all that we’ve been able to accomplish, and all that we can do together to improve our state, at forums, debates and with voters door-to-door.”

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