TAMPA – In an effort to prevent the next Senator from Florida being elected on the basis of “who spends the most on TV ads,” Libertarian U.S. Senate candidate Alexander Snitker says he has a plan that will ensure voters can make an informed decision in November.
In what he is calling “Friday Night Fights,” Snitker is challenging his Senatorial rivals to a series of 10 debates to be held every Friday evening after the August 24th primary election, and continuing through to the general election. The debates should include all candidates, regardless of party affiliation.
“The people are tired of the political gamesmanship, and they want an honest debate of the issues.” said Snitker. “Not clichés, not soundbites, not attacks. The people want candidates who will tell them exactly what they plan to do if elected. I urge my rivals to join me in doing just that.”
Snitker is calling on the media, as well as business, political and community organizations to host the debates. He proposes that the events be organized by various groups throughout the political spectrum. “Media groups, tea parties, unions, chambers of commerce, environmental groups, civic groups...Let's put aside political ideology in order to hear as many viewpoints as possible,” said Snitker.
The proposed debates would be held in 10 different cites throughout the state to give as many people as possible the chance to be heard by the candidates.
Snitker calls on the potential organizers to make sure the rules are clearly defined in advance to allow for a fair process, and adds the candidates should not be allowed to dictate preconditions. With the exception of personal attacks, he says no questions should be off limits.
“We can all agree that the political process needs less Madison Avenue and more Main Street. This is the best way to do it,” Snitker said. “But we can only call for the debates. It is up to the various organizations to communicate and come together to hold these candidates' feet to the fire and force the issue.”
The Snitker campaign contacted the offices of Kendrick Meek, Charlie Crist, Marco Rubio and Jeff Greene to ask for the candidates' comments on the “Friday Night Fights” proposal. Crist, Greene and Meek did not return phone or email messages. Rubio's staff responded that their candidate had no comment.
