Frustrated by what he sees as his opponent’s unwillingness to debate in multiple forums, State Sen. Leonard Lance (R-Hunterdon) today chided his 7th Congressional District opponent, Assemblywoman Linda Stender (D-Fanwood), for canceling or refusing three district-wide debates.

“During this economic crisis, voters across Central New Jersey deserve to hear the candidates talk face-to-face about the future of New Jersey,” Lance said in a statement. “We should be having more debates, not fewer. I call on Assemblywoman Stender to stop hiding behind her false and negative advertising and join me on the stage in front of voters in addressing the important issues of the day.”

 Lance said he is particularly disappointed with Stender’s decision to cancel their Oct. 24 AARP debate, where he hoped to clarify his views on Social Security. The Lance campaign also noted Stender’s no thanks to debate invitations by the Westfield Leader newspaper and the Gateway Union County Chamber of Commerce. Stender fired back a reminder that the candidates are scheduled for a television showdown next week.

 “This is pretty ridiculous considering we are having a debate next Tuesday, live on Channel 12,” said Stender spokeswoman Irene Lin. “We also have a candidate's forum in Hunterdon County scheduled.”