June 17, 2008 - 9:31am
News

Camille Andrews mum on debates

1st District congressional candidate Camille Andrews doesn't seem as enthusiastic about debating her opponent as her husband, outgoing Rep. Rob Andrews, was in the Democratic Senate primary against Frank Lautenberg.

Long shot Republican candidate Dale Glading issued a debate challenge to Camille Andrews on June 5th, asking her to respond by Friday, June 13th. But as of yesterday, Glading still hadn’t received a reply from Andrews.

Andrews is running as a placeholder candidate for the seat her husband vacated to run in the Democratic U.S. Senate primary. Party leaders are expected to choose a replacement for Andrews before the general election in November. Among the top prospects to replace her are Assemblyman John Burzichelli and state Sen. Dana Redd.

“It is disappointing to the citizens of our district that Camille Andrews has chosen not to follow in her husband’s footsteps in desiring to publicly debate the issues affecting the people of New Jersey,” said Glading. “Camille Andrews is hiding from the voters of the 1st District, choosing to spend her time instead in the smoke-filled back rooms of the party machine.”

Rob Andrews had made frequent debate challenges a hallmark of his campaign against Lautenberg, and frequently noted the senior Senator’s reluctance to participate in candidate forums.

Andrews campaign manager Benjamin Parvey did not respond to multiple requests for comment.

Matt Friedman is a PolitickerNJ.com Reporter and can be reached via email at matt@politicsnj.com.

Related topics: Dale Glading, CAMILLE ANDREWS