by: desmoinesdem, Sun May 04, 2008 at 14:48:37 PM CDT

Fallon's campaign put out a press release yesterday criticizing the incumbent for dodging debates. The full text is after the jump, but here's a key paragraph:

Fallon said his campaign received nine invitations to debates and forums and he accepted them all. Further, the Des Moines Register and KCCI offered Congressman Boswell three alternative dates to accommodate his schedule. "I have no doubt that if Congressman Boswell wanted to debate, he would find the time," said Fallon. "What I find discourteous is his excuse that he is simply too busy. I don't think a Congressman can be too busy for the voters."

If I were an incumbent whose voting record was not in line with the values of my Democratic constituents, and I had been successful in diverting the mainstream media's attention from those issues, I probably would not be eager to debate a challenger either. Boswell may also be afraid of making a mistake in the debate, which would then provide an opening for negative media coverage.

Of course, it would not be politically correct to give the real reasons for not debating Fallon, so the Boswell campaign will hide behind the "too busy" excuse.

By the way, after the Fallon campaign's previous press release challenging Boswell to debate, I sought an official response from the Boswell campaign and got the following reply from press secretary Betsy Shelton on April 23: "We are currently working with KCCI and the Des Moines Register to see if we can find a date that is mutually acceptable."

I'm trying to get an official comment about whether Boswell's rejection of the debate is now final, and I will update this diary if I get one.

UPDATE: On Monday morning I checked my e-mail and found the following reply from Shelton:

Congressman Boswell is currently helping to pass the Farm bill and other measures that benefit Iowa families.  We were unable to find a date which works.

That's too bad. I know he visits the Des Moines area from time to time, because I saw him on Sunday morning at an event in Waukee organized by the Des Moines Jewish Federation. I regret that he didn't make it a priority to set aside time for a debate on one of his visits to the district this spring.

You can educate yourself about Boswell's voting record by clicking this link (sound has been added to the animated cartoon at that site).

You can learn about the differences between Fallon and Boswell on the issues by clicking here.

The latest press release from Fallon's campaign is after the jump.

Contact: Stacy Brenton
Fallon for Congress
(515) 822-3029
stacy@fallonforcongress.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Fallon Says Boswell's Refusal to Debate Disenfranchises Voters

Saturday, May 3rd, 2008 (9:00 AM CDT) - Today, Ed Fallon said he is deeply concerned that Leonard Boswell declined The Des Moines Register/KCCI televised debate invitation. Fallon said, "Voters want to know how we plan to help them and where we differ on the issues. Refusing to debate is dismissive and a disservice to our voters. I again reiterate my willingness to participate in a public forum for the Register or anyone who makes a request."

Fallon said his campaign received nine invitations to debates and forums and he accepted them all. Further, the Des Moines Register and KCCI offered Congressman Boswell three alternative dates to accommodate his schedule. "I have no doubt that if Congressman Boswell wanted to debate, he would find the time," said Fallon. "What I find discourteous is his excuse that he is simply too busy. I don't think a Congressman can be too busy for the voters."

Fallon has made issues the centerpiece of his campaign and has encouraged Boswell to focus on issues instead of negative attacks.

"The only real issue I've heard Congressman Boswell address is his defense for voting to authorize the Iraq War," said Fallon. "Other than that, he has focused his efforts and PAC-funded resources on the politics of deception and personal attacks. It seems the Congressman is no longer interested in listening to the concerns of Iowans or that he needs to present the case that he is best for the district. I believe Iowans don't want a Washington D.C. insider who prefers to subvert the issues through non-disclosure and negative attacks. "

"After the unprecedented new-Democratic voter turnout at the Iowa Caucuses, we have a historic opportunity and responsibility to keep voters engaged. Refusing to participate in a public debate only serves to disenfranchise our new activated constituency, and frankly, I find it irresponsible," says Fallon.

EENR Blog, by: heartland dem, Fri May 02, 2008 at 21:50:48 PM EDT

The reason given by the Boswell campaign for turning down a date in the second-to-last week of May was that the Congressman would be too busy in Washington. He was then offered two dates in the last week of May when the U.S. House plans to be in recess. According to the Register story, "a Boswell spokesman said the campaign did not feel there would be adequate time before the June 3 primary to respond to any misinformation that might arise during the debate."

This is a stunning statement from the Boswell campaign. While the Fallon campaign has focused on grassroots organizing, the Boswell campaign has relied on a push poll and a series of glossy mailers that distort his legislative record and libel Fallon. In just one week, the Boswell campaign sent two mailers blaming Fallon for the Iraq War and the deaths of 4,000 American servicemen and women. It flatly claims that Fallon's endorsement of Nader in 2000 elected George W. Bush and led to the War. The mailer doesn't mention that Al Gore carried Iowa, nor that Boswell broke ranks with the majority of House Democrats and voted to give Bush the authority to go to war in Iraq, nor that he continued to support the Iraq War for five years.

Another mailer portrayed Boswell as "taking on George Bush" and the "special interests" in the healthcare system to give prescription drug benefits to seniors. His actual record shows the opposite. Instead of taking on Bush and the pharmaceutical and insurance companies, Boswell not only supported the Bush plan, he was the deciding vote. House Democrats opposed the bill 195-9, which passed 216-215. Had Boswell voted with his fellow Democrats, the Bush plan would have been defeated. Because Fallon, who doesn't take money from PACs and paid lobbyists, doesn't have the resources to match Boswell's direct mail (and anticipated TV and radio campaign), it seems Boswell is counting on not having to publicly defend his distortions.

Is is worth noting that Boswell has made trips to the district to appear in at least two parades during the campaign, as well as attending fundraising events in the district.