Schansberg calls on Hill to apologize and anticipates at least three debates

This week, Mike Sodrel proposed a town-hall meeting in each of the 9^th District’s 20 counties—as well as an independent commission to regulate advertising in the campaign. Rep. Baron Hill replied by refusing the commission and trying to diminish expectations about debates.

According to a story in the News-Tribune, Hill said that he had “good reason to be skeptical of entering into campaign pledges” with Sodrel: “As history evidenced, you did not honor your word and broke our campaign pledge the last time around.” Hill said further that he wants Sodrel to apologize before he’ll agree to talk about campaign issues with him.

In response, Dr. Eric Schansberg said: “Baron needs to look in the mirror. Both of them were responsible for the nasty campaigns they ran in 2006. Baron needs to apologize as well—not only to Mike, but to everyone in the 9^th District—for subjecting us to so much mud-slinging and name-calling like ‘Millionaire Mike’. I commend Mike for extending the olive branch. Maybe if they both take responsibility and apologize, we can go forward and have an honorable campaign this time.”

On the debates, Dr. Schansberg said, “Even though it was completely hypocritical, I understand why Baron wouldn’t debate gas prices earlier this summer. But since Baron demanded a lot of debates in 2006 and since he’s so good at it, I’m sure he’ll have enough character and confidence to offer at least the same three debates we had then—in Bloomington, New Albany, and Jasper. I look forward to many opportunities to debate and discuss the issues that are important to the voters of the 9^th District.”