Wanggaard Campaign Says Three Debates, Lehman Disputes That Definition

State Sen. Van Wanggaard's campaign today issued a press release saying he will participate in three debates with former Sen. John Lehman before the June 5 general election for the recall in the 21st Senate District.

According to the release, Wanggaard and Lehman will appear together on the radio, on TV, and in person over the next three weeks: on WRJN, for which the details are still getting hammered out; on "Upfront with Mike Gousha" on Channel 12 on May 27; and in person during the Patch/WGTD candidates forum on May 24 at Mount Pleasant Village Hall.

“I’m looking forward to contrasting my bipartisan record of job creation and balancing the budget without raising taxes to the billions in tax hikes and job-killing policies my opponent advanced in his failed term as Senator,” said Wanggaard. “I’m hopeful that former Senator Lehman will stick to the facts in these debates rather than the rhetoric and innuendo his campaign has advanced thus far.”

But Lehman said he knows of one forum and two media appearances.

"As far as I'm concerned, the only real debate we're having is the one at Mount Pleasant Village Hall, where we look people in the eye and get public input," he said. "Having six or eight minutes with Mike Gousha and calling it a debate is laughable. We are participating in a planned radio appearance, and maybe residents will call in, but I don't know the details yet."

The Patch/WGTD 91.1FM l, 8811 Campus Drive. After Lehman defeated "protest" candidate Tamra Varebrook during the May 8 Democratic primary, details were finalized for the debate including utilizing Patch Regional Editor and veteran journalist Mark Maley and hammering out a format that would allow residents to participate by writing questions on notecards as they arrive.