Mike Huckabee Encourages John McCain to Debate the Issues

Letter

News Release: Mike Huckabee Encourages John McCain To Debate The Issues

Former Governor of Arkansas (1996-2007) Former Arkansas Governor and Presidential Candidate Mike Huckabee sent a letter to Sen. John McCain Tuesday, asking the Senator to join him in a Republican Presidential Debate. Huckabee said it's time to debate the issues in front of the American people.

"Now that the race for the Republican nomination is down to just the two of us, I believe this is the time for a real discussion about our vision for the future of this great country," Huckabee wrote in the letter to Sen. McCain. "I encourage you to join me in a Lincoln Douglas-style debate so that voters can better understand our views on critical issues such as health care, education, energy independence, terrorism and national security."

Huckabee said Democratic candidates, Senators Barrack Obama and Hillary Clinton, have had the opportunity to debate the issues before their constituents, and it's only fitting that Republican primary voters are offered the same.

"I look forward to working with your staff to schedule this as soon as possible. I would suggest we set the debate before the March Fourth Primaries," Huckabee wrote. "It is my hope that one of the TV networks would offer to sponsor such an event."

Letter is copied here.

The Honorable John McCain

John McCain 2008

P.O. Box 16118

Arlington, VA 22215

Dear Senator McCain:

It's been my pleasure sharing the stage with you this past year, as we have worked to promote our ideas to lead this country. I have the deepest respect for you as a person, politician, and an American hero - and I appreciate the way you have run such an issue-based, positive campaign.

Now that the race for the Republican nomination is down to just the two of us, I believe this is the time for a real discussion about our vision for the future of this great country. I encourage you to join me in a Lincoln Douglas-style debate so that voters can better understand our views on critical issues such as health care, education, energy independence, terrorism and national security.

Our Democratic counterparts, Senators Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton, have had recent opportunities to underscore the differences in their positions. It seems only fitting to me that Republican primary voters are offered the same.

I look forward to working with your staff to schedule this as soon as possible. I would suggest we set the debate before the March Fourth Primaries. It is my hope that one of the TV networks would offer to sponsor such an event.

Senator, let's lead by example and get the ball rolling. I look forward to hearing your thoughts on this idea and debating you in front of the American people

Sincerely,

Mike Huckabee

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