Asks Candidates to Agree To a Public Debate

To The Editor:
Over the last few weeks I’ve had an opportunity the listen to the two Republican primary candidates for the New Jersey Second U.S. Congressional District discuss their qualifications and points of view.
Several weeks ago, Frank LoBiondo spoke to a group in Ventnor. I recently heard his primary chalenger Linda Biamonte speak. Both did a good job in explaining their positions and answering questions from the attendees.
You’re probably asking yourself, “who is Linda Biamonte?” Biamonte is a Republican challenging LoBiondo in this year’s primary. She is running on a Conservative platform and a promise of returning the seat in Congress back to a representative who will represent the will of its constituents.
Taking this position naturally puts her at odds with the incumbent and that’s why I’m writing this letter.
This letter is not meant to be an endorsement or denouncement of either candidate. It is meant to ask both candidates to agree to a public debate. A public debate will allow the voters to listen to both candidates and hear their points of view on the critical issues facing this country.
To date, while Biamonte is more than willing to debate LoBiondo, according to the Biamonte campaign, he is not as willing, and to date has not agreed, to debate the issues. With an early June primary looming, the window for this event is closing.
This country is a mess, and the confidence of US citizens in their government has never been lower. Spending is out of control and upcoming government initiatives such as Cap and Trade, Card Check and Immigration Reform are all on the table.
The votes on these issues will affect every American. The citizens of the Second U.S. Congressional District have the right to hear the views of the candidates, where they stand on these is-sues, and their responses to the points and claims from their challenger in a public format.
LoBiondo is a longtime incumbent with a large campaign war chest and a well-established team. Biamonte is a new comer with limited funds and staff. A debate levels the playing field considerably, introduces fairness into the process and most importantly, provides the voters of the second district with the information needed to make an informed voting decision.
As a concerned American I want to be sure that I have all of the information I need to vote for the candidate who best supports my views.
Mr. LoBiondo, be fair, let us know where you stand in a debate format. In these times, you owe it to the constituents you represent.
JOHN ANTMAN
Villas