(Scranton, PA) – Today, John Chrin released the following statement on the news Rep. Matt Cartwright has not agreed to two separate debate proposals offered.

Cartwright’s campaign has been approached by two separate organizations with two separate proposals for debates: the Pike and Wayne joint Chambers of Commerce and the American Democracy Project at East Stroudsburg University, who would hold the event at Northampton Community College, Monroe campus. Both proposals, John immediately agreed to when offered. Cartwright’s campaign appears to be dragging their feet to run out the clock.

In 2012, when Cartwright first ran for Congress against Rep. Tim Holden, he called on a series of debates in each of the counties of the congressional district as much of the district was previously represented by someone else. Half of the new 8th district is new to Rep. Cartwright. Don’t those individuals deserve the opportunity to hear his points of view on the issues important to them?

In each of Matt Cartwright’s general election campaigns from 2012 to 2016, he appeared in at least two televised debates with his then opponents. On August 22nd, John challenged Rep. Cartwright to additional debates so that each of the five counties of the 8th congressional district would get a debate. Only one congressional debate has been agreed by both candidates – in Luzerne County.

“On August 30th, my opponent, Matt Cartwright stated that he would answer my challenge for additional debates. After weeks of back and forth between my campaign and his, it has become apparent that Cartwright’s team is not seriously interested in working to schedule a debate where the important issues to Northeast Pennsylvania constituents can be discussed.” said Chrin.

“Does Cartwright or his team want to debate or are they stalling? If Rep. Cartwright is serious then why not say “yes” and let’s get these scheduled. John Chrin agreed to debate all of Cartwright’s suggested topics. We suggested the additions of jobs and the economy, as these are important issues John hears from constituents on a daily basis on the campaign trail. We are certain Rep. Cartwright hears the same. We put forward suggested nonpartisan moderators for his team’s review. Still no agreement from Cartwright. All this after history shows Cartwright routinely participated in at least two debates with his former opponents and called for one in each county with Rep. Tim Holden. It is apparent to me that Cartwright and his team are not sincere in their want of additional debates.” said Michael Stwarka, Communications Director to John Chrin.

John Chrin is a 10th generation Pennsylvanian, political outsider, and successful business leader with over thirty years of experience in the private sector. He has created thousands of jobs over his career and will use this vast experience for the benefit of Northeast Pennsylvania.

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