I am hosting an LD3 Republican Senate primary debate April 30th on 1210 WPHT, Save Jerseyans.
Unfortunately, as of now, only Assembywoman Beth Sawyer (R-3) has agreed to participate. The incumbent – State Senator Ed Durr (R-3), who’s been a guest on ‘The Matt Rooney Show’ (Sundays 7-10 PM EST) on more than one occasion – declined the invitation. In the interest of transparency, I made it crystal clear in my late March invitation letter directed to both candidates that the debate would proceed if only one candidate agreed to participate.
As ever, I intend to be a man of my word! The stakes are high this year for Republicans, the NJGOP has an outside chance of retaking the legislature for the first time in over 20 years, and Democrats plan to spend ***big*** money to reclaim Steve Sweeney’s former seat. GOP primary voters deserve to hear from both South Jersey candidates who, to make things more interesting, were running mates less than two short years ago. Wouldn’t you like to hear WHY they split? Debates – provided they’re conducted fairly, of course – are also a critical tool for voters to hold their elected officials accountable.
I would still MUCH prefer to see both candidates in the studio. Accordingly, a chair and a microphone will remain available for each candidate on the date and time contained in my original invitation (8:30 PM on 4/30), and you better believe that I will be 100% prepared to ask relevant questions of whoever shows up.
I’m also urging Save Jersey readers and ‘Matt Rooney Show’ listeners to contact Senator Durr (edward_durr@yahoo.com) and politely urge him to participate in this important debate.
FYI: You can listen to the debate via 1210 WPHT or the Audacy app; you can alternatively watch online via SaveJersey.com, our social media channels, AND the station’s brand new YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/@1210wpht
