Sarah Steelman (CAMPAIGN PHOTO)
— Republican U.S. Senate candidate Sarah Steelman wants debates with her Republican challengers, and planned to take to the airwaves of KCUR in Kansas City with or without her opponents.
“I will be there (Mr. Kraske’s Show) on the 18th,” Steelman said in a statement last Wednesday. “If Congressman [Todd] Akin and Mr. [John] Brunner are truly serious about a debate, the opportunity is right in front of them.”
But this weekend, without all three candidates, the radio show decided they would not proceed with a debate.
The Steelman and Akin campaigns had been in contact with the producer of KCUR’s “Up to Date,” hosted weekly by Kansas City Star veteran political reporter Steve Kraske. But St. Louis businessman John Brunner, who launched his Republican Senate campaign just weeks ago, was not as enthusiastic and had not contacted the show.
“We’re open to proceeding with a debate if we can find a date when all three contenders can participate,” Kraske said in an email Tuesday.
Steelman did not go on the radio show Tuesday, but, en route to Kansas City, anyway, issued a statement reiterating her hope for a debate sooner rather than later.
“Urgency is a must,” Steelman said. “I don’t want to wait until the 11th hour to share my ideas with voters. Missourians deserve better.”
In an interview with PoliticMo last week, Akin said he would be willing to debate whenever, depending on his congressional calendar.
email: eli [at] politicmo.com | phone: 417.597.3873 | twitter: @eyokley 
