By AP/KWMU
Washington – Two of the U.S. House members vying to be the next majority leader are criticizing Missouri's Roy Blunt for not debating issues in the race on national television.
John Shadegg (R-Arizona) and John Boehner (R-Ohio) Thursday said Blunt had declined invitations from two Sunday morning news programs to appear as a group.
They issued a joint statement urging Blunt, who is acting majority leader, to make a national media appearance with them to talk about issues facing House Republicans.
Blunt spokeswoman Burson Taylor said Blunt preferred to discuss the issues privately with House members and "not in front of TV cameras."
Boehner and Shadegg called that decision "unfortunate."
Each of the three candidates to replace former Majority Leader Tom DeLay has promised to reform lobbying practices, lower taxes and shrink government. But Blunt and Boehner both have been criticized for their ties to Washington lobbyists.