<\/p>\n
SCRANTON \u2014 Incumbent Sen. Marty Flynn has agreed to debate his Democratic challenger once \u2014 not the four that Jeffrey Lake proposed.<\/p>\n
And that has caused some debate.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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\u2019s Center for Ethics and Excellence in Public Service. The debate will be held at Brennan Hall.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re glad Marty Flynn actually agreed to step onto a debate stage,\u201d said Lake. \u201cIt\u2019s clear voters demanded at least one debate, and he had to respond.\u201d<\/p>\n
Lake said he originally called for a series of four debates across the district to ensure voters have meaningful access to the candidates.<\/p>\n
\u201cOne debate is a start, but it\u2019s not enough,\u201d Lake said. \u201cThis is a large, diverse district. Limiting voters to a single forum shortchanges entire communities, especially those who\u2019ve already been ignored.\u201d<\/p>\n
Flynn said he agreed to a debate, and he looks forward to it.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat is part of a healthy democracy,\u201d Flynn said. \u201cCampaign 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy 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,\u201d Flynn said. \u201cOver 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
Flynn said voters are capable of reviewing every candidate\u2019s record and background on their own.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis election should be about serious leadership and real issues,\u201d Flynn said. \u201cJeff Lake has no experience. I only need one round to take him out.\u201d<\/p>\n
Lake\u2019s campaign confirmed that another institution had stepped forward to host another debate.<\/p>\n
\u201cWilkes University has agreed in principle to host a second debate,\u201d Lake said. \u201cWe\u2019re ready to finalize it. The only thing missing is Marty Flynn.\u201d<\/p>\n
The May 7 debate will follow standard non-partisan rules, including timed responses, no pre-submitted questions, and a neutral moderator.<\/p>\n
Reach Bill O\u2019Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.<\/p>\n
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