Dear Editor,

I am still dumbfounded about Curt Nisly not wanting to debate. He should have to defend his issues, which are not without blemish. This, as you undoubtedly recognize, is the new strategy of the those relying on the vote of the Tea Party.

I’m a Republican who wants to make Indiana the best state in the union, but this is one more embarrassing move by a Republican candidate that either can’t or won’t defend his position on the issues in a public forum.

Great politicians have debated from the City of Warsaw mayoral race 2012 to the Ronald Reagan and Jimmy Carter presidential debate of 1980. Constituents (the people who elect someone to represent them) like to make an informed decision, and what better way to ensure his ideals are known than to debate with other candidates? Why wouldn’t someone want to debate? What might someone be hiding if they choose not to debate? If it is too awkward for someone to debate, maybe they are too awkward to be our state representative.

The Tea Party of Kosciusko County even supports debates as they did during the Kosciusko County Silent No More debate March 6, 2010. I am not sure as to what has changed since 2010 compared to this election.

Going door to door does not always answer everyone’s questions as to who is the better candidate. Voters also want to be engaged in the election, and going door to door does not always allow the voter to understand each candidate to their fullest. Remember, candidates are elected officials voted by the people and can always be replaced; state representatives are every two years.

Don’t forget to vote Nov. 4. Choose wisely to someone who can articulate his position in front of an audience.

Tyler A. Huffer