August 14, 2008 - 10:55am
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Zeitz challenges Chris Smith to four debates in honor of Lincoln-Douglas

 

(Hamilton, NJ)- Josh Zeitz, the Democratic nominee for Congress in New Jersey's 4th Congressional district, today challenged Rep. Chris Smith to four public debates.

In honor of the 150th anniversary of the historic Lincoln-Douglass debates, Zeitz asked Smith to join him at one public debate in each of the fourth district's counties: Burlington, Mercer, Monmouth and Ocean.

During their campaign for the U.S. Senate from Illinois, Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglass debated in each of Illinois's nine congressional districts.

As a sign of respect, Zeitz mailed a personal debate invitation to Smith's home, along with a copy of a book on the Lincoln Douglass debates.

"The rising cost of food, gas, health care, and education is hurting many working families," wrote Zeitz. "People have a right to know how each of us proposes to address these grave problems, and they have a right to challenge us in a public forum."

"I can think of no better way for us to honor the anniversary of the Lincoln-Douglas debates than by providing the residents of New Jersey's Fourth Congressional District a similar opportunity to see their candidates engage in a vigorous but respectful exchange of ideas."

"While neither of us would presume to walk in the footsteps of these two giants, let's agree to honor their memory --- and to honor our neighbors in Central Jersey - by debating in Ocean, Monmouth, Burlington, and Mercer Counties."

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STEVENDAMICO can be reached via email at steve@joshzeitz.com.
Related topics: Josh Zeitz, NJ-4, Chris Smit