EYEWITNESS NEWS (WBRE/WYOU) — Sitting Democratic Congressman Matt Cartwright has turned down an invitation from WBRE/WYOU and Nexstar Media Group to debate his opponent Rob Bresnahan ahead of the November General Election.
On Wednesday, Cartwright, who represents Pennsylvania's 8th Congressional District, turned down the opportunity to participate in a live televised debate against Republican Rob Bresnahan.
This means the two will only participate in one live, televised debate in northeastern Pennsylvania. Cartwright and Bresnahan will face off in a debate hosted by WVIA in October.
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Bresnahan agreed to the WBRE/WYOU debate in August. His campaign released the following statement Wednesday in light of Cartwright's decision.
“We are excited to debate the issues important to the people of Northeastern Pennsylvania, like protecting Social Security, securing our southern border, and getting our economy back on track,” said Rob Bresnahan. “It’s time for Congressman Cartwright to stop hiding behind excuses and defend his far-left record of voting for the Biden-Harris agenda nearly 100% of the time in tandem with fellow Progressive Caucus members like self-described socialist AOC,” he added.
Although the WBRE/WYOU debate won't come to fruition, Cartwright's campaign says he will participate in other public forums ahead of the election.
"Rep. Cartwright looks forward to discussing why Rob opposes $35 insulin caps, supports rolling back women's reproductive rights, and wants more giveaways for himself and his ultra-wealthy friends. The Congressman has committed to multiple public election forums including a sit-down interview with WBRE/WYOU, a candidates’ forum with the Scranton Chamber of Commerce, and the Congressional debate that WVIA has hosted for nearly two decades," campaign spokesperson MG Darmody said.
Both Cartwright and Bresnahan have agreed to sit-down interviews with WBRE/WYOU.
Cartwright's invitation participate in the aforementioned debate remains open, according to WBRE/WYOU management.
Cartwright and Bresnahan will participate in a live debate that will be hosted by WVIA in the Burke Auditorium at King's College in Wilkes-Barre. That debate will air on WVIA and be simulcast on WYOU or WBRE, on either October 22 or 23. at 7:00 p.m. A firm date and channel are expected to be announced next week.
