Letter: Let all candidates into debates

This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2014, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

Initially, I was excited with the new debate commission in Utah coming out with a strong non-partisan message. However, this hasn't been what I've experienced over the last several months as I have been involved in campaigning for Utah's 1st Congressional District. It seems that the Utah Debate Commission is sticking with the two major parties as the only options and not extending invitations out to third parties or independents.

Take for instance the 1st District Race. Dwane Vance (Independent American Party), Donna McAleer (Democrat), Congressman Rob Bishop (Republican), and I (Libertarian) are all running for the seat, but only Bishop and McAleer are going to be able to debate.I think in order for there to be a truly fair election process we need to have fair debates; including all parties. This way Utah voters will get to truly see their choices displayed, and defending their ideas in much the same way they would in the halls of Congress.

Craig Bowden

North Ogden