***The Iowa Standard is an independent media voice. We rely on the financial support of our readers to exist. Please consider a one-time sign of support or becoming a monthly supporter at $5, $10/month - whatever you think we're worth! If you’ve ever used the phrase “Fake News” — now YOU can actually DO something about it! You can also support us on PayPal at newsdesk@theiowastandard.com or Venmo at Iowa-Standard-2018 or through the mail at:
PO Box 112
Sioux Center, IA 51250
***The Carlin campaign issued a correction regarding this release. KCCI reached out to Hinson’s campaign on behalf of KCCI and Dave Price of Gray Media Iowa. Gray Media did not directly contact the Hinson campaign.***
With the June 2 Republican primary five weeks away, two of Iowa’s most prominent political journalists have confirmed that Congresswoman Ashley Hinson’s campaign has not responded to their attempts to organize a debate with her competitor, Jim Carlin, in a competitive primary race.
Dave Price, Political Director for Gray Media Iowa and host of “Inside Iowa Politics” – which airs across nine stations in Iowa, Nebraska, South Dakota, and Minnesota – reached out to Representative Hinson’s campaign to coordinate a debate. He received no response.
Amanda Rooker, Chief Political Reporter for KCCI-TV in Des Moines, also reached out to Hinson’s camp to organize a debate forum. She, too, has heard nothing.
Jim Carlin accepted debate invitations. Ashley Hinson did not.
“Iowa voters deserve the opportunity to hear directly from both candidates before they vote on June 2. I have been ready and willing to debate from the start. Ashley Hinson has not answered the press, and she has not answered voters. That silence is a choice, and Iowans should know it.”
Jim Carlin, Republican candidate for U.S. Senate
The Carlin campaign formally challenged Representative Hinson to debate Iowa voters months ago. No response has been received through any channel. The Carlin campaign has participated in every available public forum and candidate event held during the primary cycle.
A candidate for the United States Senate who will not face her primary opponent before Iowa voters, and who will not respond to credentialed Iowa journalists working to serve the public interest, raises a straightforward question: what is she unwilling to answer?
