Why Won’t NH-01 GOP Candidates Debate?

CONCORD, NH – As the days tick down to the September primary in New Hampshire, the Republican candidates in NH-01 continue to shy away from holding a debate or public forum. In a state where voters are invested deeply in their elected officials and their policy positions, one wonders why Republicans have avoided publicly stating their radical right-wing views.

In the 2018 Democratic Primary in NH-01, candidates participated in more than 15 public forums and debates. And this year GOP candidates for the U.S. Senate held a debate just last week, and more are expected. So why not in NH-01?

In response, NHDP Chair Ray Buckley released the following statement:

“For generations, New Hampshire has fostered a culture of vigorous, open, and public debate among our political candidates. We value getting to know their opinions first hand and take pride in the fact that candidates at all levels have the opportunity to share their views with prospective voters. By avoiding these time honored traditions just weeks before the primary, Republican candidates in CD-01 have shown just one thing: they are afraid to admit to New Hampshire voters just how extreme and out-of-touch they are with Granite State values.

“Every GOP candidate celebrated the overturn of Roe v. Wade but how far are they willing to go? Do they think victims of rape and incest like the 10 year old in Ohio should carry their abuser’s child? Do they still believe the deadly insurrection on January 6th was a peaceful protest? Are they still planning to take away hard-earned Social Security and Medicare benefits from hundreds of thousands of New Hampshire seniors? What are their plans to cut the cost of prescription drugs?

“It’s clear that the Republican field has something to hide – they know New Hampshire voters are not receptive to an extreme conservative agenda. Until the GOP field is willing to publicly discuss their ideas, there is no way Granite Staters can trust them.”