September 8, 2011

Puller Refuses Debates with Frederick

Dumfries, Virginia (September 8, 2011) – Incumbent State Senator Toddy Puller turned down challenger Jeff Frederick’s offer to debate every two weeks across the 36th District.

“It’s disappointing that the vast majority of the district won’t get an opportunity to compare the two candidates side-by-side, let alone have a real debate on the issues,” said Frederick. “When I’m out talking with people in their community, I’m constantly being asked about the economy, and when something is finally going to happen with Route 1. Voters deserve an opportunity to compare for themselves our competing visions for Northern Virginia.”

Senator Puller will only attend joint appearances in Woodbridge, Lorton and Fredericksburg, which isn’t even in the district. Areas excluded by their state senator include all of Stafford County, Dumfries, Quantico, and areas such as Mount Vernon, Groveton, Kingstowne, Newington, Franconia, Hybla Valley, Montclair, Belmont Bay, Occoquan, Triangle, Dale City, and Bethel.

“With so many communities shut out of any chance to participate in public discourse, I’d hope Senator Puller would reconsider her decision not to debate me,” added Frederick.

The text of Senator Puller’s letter is below:

August 31, 2011

The Honorable Jeff Frederick
Post Office Box 58
Woodbridge, Virginia 22194

Dear Jeff:

I am responding to your letter regarding public debates. At this time, there are four joint appearances already scheduled. The first meeting is the candidate forum presented by the Prince William Committee of 100 to take place at Westminster at Lake Ridge in Woodbridge on September 14. The second is the Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce on September 15. The third is the Mason Neck Civic Association on October 4. The fourth is at the Fairfax in Lorton, Virginia, on October 20. This schedule adheres closely to the every other week schedule you propose. I’m confident that we will also be in attendance at other such joint activities in the weeks leading up to the election.

You are correct that there are “important distinctions that deserve to be discussed in public” forums. I believe these joint forums will provide the Virginia voters in the 36th District a chance to understand our “respective positions and records” so they can make an informed decision when voting in the November 8th General Election.

Sincerely,

Linda T. Puller

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Also see: Frederick Challenges Puller to Debate Across District

Posted Under: Campaign News
Tags: Toddy

2 Responses

From: Ron McCallum 09/10/2011 @ 9:14 PM

Seems odd to have a debate in a location (Fredericksburg) that is not located within the District. I live in Hollin Hills, and would like a debate to be held closer than Woodbridge.
From: Peter J Stanton 09/25/2011 @ 11:44 PM

I’d like to know when Puller is going to stop using the story of her deceased husband’s Vietnam injuries in a crass attempt to promote her campaign. I believe she filed for divorce from him shortly before he took his own life years ago. I would like to hear the straight story on that.

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Puller Refuses Debates with Frederick

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