#NVSen: Heller Proposes Debates for U.S. Senate Race

Proposes multiple debates in locations across the state

(Las Vegas, NV) – Today Dean Heller’s campaign sent a letter to Shelley Berkley’s Campaign Manager proposing seven different debates to be held across the state.  The letter reports that Dean Heller is ready to begin debating the seven-term Congresswoman as early as July, and is willing to debate many times in order to reach a maximum audience.

Heller’s campaign proposed debates in Carson City, Elko, Las Vegas, and Reno as well as on statewide and national outlets.

Full text of the letter below:

July 12, 2012

Berkley For Senate
7437 S. Eastern Avenue #427
Las Vegas, NV 89123

Dear Ms. Mackler,

With November quickly approaching, Dean Heller is looking forward to opportunities to debate Congresswoman Shelley Berkley.  Our campaign is eager to move forward and establish a robust debate schedule for the coming months.

We suggest that debates begin in July, with no more than two debates per month until early voting begins on October 20, 2012.

We intend to be flexible regarding formatting specifics.  We do require that all debates be televised, either live or live to tape.  We also require that every debate be broadcast on a major broadcast station in Nevada.  Other details – length of debate, whether the candidates are sitting or standing, and length of response and rebuttal, just to name a few, all remain open for discussion.

Our proposed debates, in no particular order:

1. Face to Face Debate:

Our campaign would agree to a debate hosted by Jon Ralston to air on his show, “Face to Face.”

2. Las Vegas — Channel 8/KLAS:

Our campaign would agree to a debate to air on Channel 8 in July or possibly early August. The debate would be one hour, commercial-free, either live or live to tape.

3. Las Vegas — Nevada Broadcasters Debate:
Our campaign would agree to a debate hosted by the Nevada Broadcasters Foundation. The debate would be aired live or on tape delay on a mutually agreeable day.

4. Reno Debate:
Our campaign is proposing a debate in Reno.  We are ready to accept an invitation from Mitch Fox on behalf of Vegas PBS to participate in a statewide debate on Nevada’s Public Television stations. This debate would take place in Reno at the KNPB studios.  Vegas PBS proposed that Mitch Fox moderate the debate on Thursday, September 27 from 8-9pm.

5. Carson City Debate:
Our campaign is proposing a debate in Carson City. We suggest that Nevada Newsmakers host the debate, with Sam Shad and Ray Hagar as moderator(s).

6. Elko Debate:
Our campaign is proposing a debate in Elko. A possible broadcast opportunity includes KENV (NBC) with Lori Gilbert.

7. Meet the Press Debate:
We will agree to a debate on “Meet the Press” if asked.

The order and timing of these debates remain open for discussion. We look forward to your timely response.

Sincerely,
Mac Abrams
702.228.2012
Heller for Senate
Campaign Manager