SCRANTON — Incumbent Sen. Marty Flynn has agreed to debate his Democratic challenger once — not the four that Jeffrey Lake proposed.
And that has caused some debate.
Flynn, D-Dunmore, and Lake, a Democrat from Scranton, are running for the Democratic nomination in the 22nd Senatorial District in the May 19 primary.
The two candidates will square off in a debate hosted by the University of Scranton on May 7 at 6 p.m., organized through the university’s Center for Ethics and Excellence in Public Service. The debate will be held at Brennan Hall.
“We’re glad Marty Flynn actually agreed to step onto a debate stage,” said Lake. “It’s clear voters demanded at least one debate, and he had to respond.”
Lake said he originally called for a series of four debates across the district to ensure voters have meaningful access to the candidates.
“One debate is a start, but it’s not enough,” Lake said. “This is a large, diverse district. Limiting voters to a single forum shortchanges entire communities, especially those who’ve already been ignored.”
Flynn said he agreed to a debate, and he looks forward to it.
“That is part of a healthy democracy,” Flynn said. “Campaign season tends to bring a lot of noise. I understand why my opponent is pushing for more debates. When you do not have a record to stand on, you try to manufacture moments to be seen.”
Flynn said he is not going to step away from the work his constituents in the 22nd District sent him to do just to help someone build name recognition.
“My focus remains on protecting voter rights, making sure data centers do not end up in our neighborhoods, expanding access to Medicaid, and continuing to deliver real results for the people of Northeastern Pennsylvania,” Flynn said. “Over the last four years, we have brought more than $130 million dollars back to this region for infrastructure, for schools, for nurses, and for economic development. That is the job.”
Flynn said voters are capable of reviewing every candidate’s record and background on their own.
“This election should be about serious leadership and real issues,” Flynn said. “Jeff Lake has no experience. I only need one round to take him out.”
Lake’s campaign confirmed that another institution had stepped forward to host another debate.
“Wilkes University has agreed in principle to host a second debate,” Lake said. “We’re ready to finalize it. The only thing missing is Marty Flynn.”
The May 7 debate will follow standard non-partisan rules, including timed responses, no pre-submitted questions, and a neutral moderator.
Reach Bill O’Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.