Agrees to meet John Sweeney to debate without condition

Hudson NY - Kirsten Gillibrand, Democratic Congressional Candidate in NY-20, released a copy of a letter sent to John Sweeney this morning.  Today marks the first day of the General Election.

September 13th, 2006

Congressman John Sweeney
416 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515

Dear Mr. Sweeney:

I am writing to invite you to join me in ten joint public appearances during this campaign - one in each county - to discuss the issues that are the most important to residents of NY-20. These joint appearances could be formal debates or town hall style meetings.

There have been a few reasons in the past for us to not meet, but now that it is after Labor Day and I am the only candidate you face in November, you must agree that it is important to compare visions for the future. I am willing to meet and discuss the issues with you with no conditions attached. Several groups and media outlets have approached both our offices to schedule a debate or town-hall style meeting, including the League of Women Voters, AARP, CBS and Fox News. I encourage you to stop delaying the scheduling process.

I think our race could set an example of how two people can have different points of view and still move forward through the campaign offering a thoughtful discussion of the issues including Iraq, healthcare, education, the price of gas and how to best fight terrorism. Our communities are looking for solutions, not partisan politics and personal attacks. I think this campaign can be waged with greater civility and increased public participation.

I would like to start scheduling the debates or town hall discussions as soon your schedule permits. I look forward to hearing your response.

Thank you very much.

Sincerely,

Kirsten Gillibrand

GILLIBRAND FOR CONGRESS
514 WARREN STREET, HUDSON NY 12534