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SALT LAKE CITY — A Republican candidate for Congress criticized GOP Rep. Chris Stewart on Tuesday for not being willing to debate before party caucus meetings later this month.
Mary Burkett says it’s with “frustration and dismay” that she must tell 2nd Congressional District voters that Stewart has declined two invitations to debate.
“It is my belief that the delegates and voters should have the opportunity to hear directly from the candidates before they choose who to support,” she said in a statement.
Burkett included in a press release a Feb. 20 letter Stewart sent saying federal candidates historically do not conduct debates before state conventions. Stewart wrote that he would “happily” accept a Utah Debate Commission invitation to debate anyone who qualifies for the GOP primary election in June. The commission organizes debates in major races in the state.
Stewart said he is confident that his platform to support the Constitution, ensure national defense, reduce the size of and influence of the federal government and cut deficit spending and debt will win him the support of party delegates at the state convention. The four-term congressman is not gathering voter signatures to qualify for the primary ballot.
“It is sad that Congressman Stewart hides behind the Utah Debate Commission as an excuse not to debate,” Burkett said. “It is sad Chris Stewart refuses to focus on his constituents in Utah.”
Burkett said she is working with other declared Republican candidates to hold two debates before the March 24 caucus night. The state GOP convention is April 25. The primary election is scheduled for June 30.
