WHY WON’T PHIL BRYANT DEBATE?
We all know Phil Bryant is a talented speaker. So why is he refusing to debate his opponent Charlie Ross in a one-on-one debate? Sen. Ross has asked Bryant to join him in simple, open, free-flowing Republican debates. Not only has Bryant refused, he is attempting to “cheat” and claim that civic club speeches are good enough to satisfy the public’s right to real debates. The voters deserve better. It’s time to stop stalling. Let’s debate.
Below is Bryant’s alleged debate schedule. None are one-on-one debates, and many are neither debates nor forums as stated.
June 5, 12:00 p.m., Jackson, Associated Builders and Contractors luncheon
This is neither a debate nor forum.
June 13, 10:00 a.m., Biloxi, Mississippi Department of Education debate
This is a debate limited to education issues with all three candidates. It is not a one-on-one Republican debate as repeatedly requested by Senator Ross.
June 14, 12:00 a.m., Biloxi, Mississippi Health Care Association forum
This is not a debate?it is a forum where there will be no free exchange between candidates.
June 14, 3:00 p.m., Biloxi, Mississippi Association of Chiefs of Police Conference
This is a conference attended only by officials and no invitation letter was sent out, per Executive Director Ken Winter.
June 18, 11:30 a.m., Jackson, Hinds County Republican Women forum
This is not a debate?it is a forum where there will be no free exchange between candidates.
June 19, 11:30 a.m., Gulfport, Gulfport/Biloxi Business Club forum
This is not a debate?it is a forum where there will be no free exchange between candidates.
June 20, 10:00 a.m., Biloxi, Mississippi Supervisors Association conference
This is neither a debate nor forum. Likely dozens of officials from the local to state level will be speaking.
June 23, 10:30 a.m., Biloxi, Mississippi Press Association debate
This is not a one-on-one debate where the Republican candidates can discuss Republican issues freely as requested.
June 27, 2:30 p.m., Biloxi, Mississippi Municipal League conference
This is neither a debate nor a forum.
July 12, 12:00 p.m., Clinton, Clinton Chamber of Commerce forum
THIS EVENT DOES NOT EXIST per Executive Director Diane Carson
July 14, 10:00 a.m., Southaven, DeSoto County Republican Executive Committee
This committee has EXPLICITLY stated that this is neither a debate nor a forum.
July 18, 10:00 a.m., Biloxi, Mississippi Association of School Superintendents and Alliance of Educational Leaders of Mississippi Convention
This is neither a debate nor a forum.
July 19, 10:00 a.m., Hernando, DeSoto County Republican Women forum
This is neither a debate nor a forum. The stated title of this event is erroneous.
July 20, 5:30 p.m., Hattiesburg, Forrest/Lamar Republican Women meeting
This is neither a debate nor a forum.
To Be Determined: Subcontractors Association of Mississippi luncheon (Jackson)
This event has not been scheduled and thus has not sent out any invitations. The nature of the event is unclear.
Charlie Ross Campaign
5/22/7
Magnolia Tribune
