This article first appeared in the St. Louis Beacon, Oct. 13, 2011 - Republican U.S. Senate Sarah Steelman says she's not backing down from her so-far-failed quest to begin holding public debates with her GOP rivals, U.S. Rep. Todd Akin of Wildwood and St. Louis businessman John Brunner.
But St. Louis is apparently no longer on tap as her proposed first debate, which now would be in Kansas City.
Six days after her first "formal challenge to debate,'' Steelman says she has yet to receive a formal response from Akin or Brunner.
Brunner consultant John Hancock did say publicly last week that his candidate is "looking forward to debates'' -- but not now.
"We will do so at the appropriate time,'' Hancock said. Brunner currently is focusing on traveling the state to meet potential supporters, the consultant added.
Akin's staff referred questions to his campaign operation, which has yet to return phone calls.
Akin also has been traveling extensively, most recently in southwest Missouri. Critics have been targeting Akin because he has held few town halls, preferring instead to hold tele-conferences with selected potential supporters.
Said Steelman: "Both Mr. Brunner and Congressman Akin have expressed the importance of a debate within the political process, I'm taking the lead on this and ensuring that Missourians get what they deserve: a transparent and fair election process based on open discussion of the issues with Missourians."
Steelman said that Kansas City political writer Steve Kraske, who also hosts a daily radio show, has offered to host the debate on his show Oct. 18.
"I will be there on the 18th," Steelman said. "If Congressman Akin and Mr. Brunner are truly serious about a debate, the opportunity is right in front of them."
Steelman added that she also has been traveling the state.
"I have been listening to the struggles Missouri families are facing in this tough economy and I feel a sense of urgency to find solutions to our problems," Steelman said.
Steelman said that conservative St. Louis radio host Gina Loudon, wife of former state Sen. John Loudon, has offered to host a debate on her KJSLO radio show (630 AM) pn Nov. 4.
KTRS (550 AM) radio host McGraw Milhaven and Missouri University College Republicans also have offered to host debates, Steelman said. She added that Brunner and Akin are aware of the proposed times and dates.
