In his first campaign for U.S. Senate in 1982, Lautenberg argued for 21 debates, and criticized his opponent, Millicent Fenwick, for “ducking” debate appearances…
- Lautenberg called for 21 debates in the last two weeks of the campaign. Lautenberg “attempted to get Fenwick to agree to 21 debates in the closing two weeks of the campaign -one in each of the state’s counties.” [Source: Star-Ledger, 10/17/82]
- Lautenberg said there is an “obligation to let the citizens of this state make their own decision” through more debates.“Lautenberg said Fenwick was denying voters an opportunity to decide the Senate race on the basis of issues when she refused to debate him more frequently. ‘She has the obligation to let the citizens of this state make their own decision,’ he said.” [Source: Star-Ledger, 10/19/82]
- Lautenberg accuses Fenwick of “ducking” debates. “Lautenberg said, ‘She can’t duck the debate schedule and penalize me like I was a naughty boy because I challenge her.’” [Source: Star-Ledger 10/24/82]
- Lautenberg criticized Fenwick for “refusing to increase the number of their debates. “Lautenberg dismisses Fenwick’s complaints about his spending, noting that he has to spend more money to get his views across, especially when Fenwick has refused to increase the number of their debates.” [Source: Star-Ledger, 10/24/82]
“Lautenberg has unsuccessfully sought more joint appearances with Fenwick, and has used her reluctance to meet together more often as a counter-argument to her complaints that he is spending too much money on his campaign.” [Source: Star-Ledger, 10/7/82]
“Sticking with themes that he established earlier in his campaign, Lautenberg also chastised Fenwick for refusing to debate him more often. [Source: Star-Ledger, 10/19/82]
… but in 2008, Lautenberg wouldn't give a straight answer on debates.
- HEADLINE: “Andrews agrees to primary debates, but Lautenberg remains undecided” [Source: Asbury Park Press, 4/15/08]
- Lautenberg wouldn't commit to debates. “Lautenberg coyly said he would debate Andrews "in due time." "The last thing we are going to debate about are the debates," Lautenberg said.” [Source: Asbury Park Press 4/15/08]
- Lautenberg made a joke of evading debates. “Reporter: “'He [Andrews] has challenged you to seven debates. Would you accept all seven?' Lautenberg: "I think, uh, maybe, uh, three quarters of the first one [laughter] We're not doing that. Frank [Pallone] and I are gonna dance on the boardwalk for you…" [Source: Video of event with Rep. Frank Pallone, Politickernj.com 4/11/08]
