Judy Seckler
GLENDALE -- If voters are relying on upcoming debates between U.S.
Rep. James Rogan (R-Glendale) and state Sen. Adam Schiff (D-Glendale) to
determine their votes, they're in for a disappointment.
In recent weeks, while both candidates have accepted invitations to
speak before different interest groups, by Wednesday, not one debate
between the two was confirmed.
Parke Skelton, Schiff's campaign consultant, said the senator had
eight speaking engagements scheduled from September through October. Of
those, three events were being considered by Rogan.
Rogan had three invitations penciled in for September, said Rogan
campaign manager Jason Roe. Of the two confirmed Rogan events, Schiff was
not scheduled to attend either. The details of the third event were
undecided, Roe said.
Skelton said that although Rogan has agreed to several debates in
previous elections, in this race he was using television advertising to
"paint a pretty picture" of his congressional record.
"He doesn't want to defend his real record in Congress," Skelton said.
Rogan campaign manager Jason Roe countered by saying that given the
congressman's schedule, campaign organizers were trying to be fair and
pick events that would reach the broadest audience.
In July, Rogan declined an invitation to participate in a League of
Women Voters-sponsored debate in September, citing a congressional
commitment.
The league has sent out invitations to both candidates for four new
dates of Oct. 20, 21, 25 and 27, said Terry Baily, president of the
League of Women Voters Glendale-Burbank. Schiff was holding all four
dates open and waiting to hear back from organizers, Skelton said.
Roe said his office was not familiar with the new dates.
After the primary, an invitation to debate was extended by "AirTalk"
host Larry Mantle of KPCC-FM (89.3). While Rogan was willing to commit
time, Schiff asked for an Aug. 18 date. Since then, Schiff has asked to
reschedule the event for some time in September because of a special
senate session, Skelton said.
"We're looking to reschedule with KPCC at 9 a.m. Aug. 17," Roe said.
Roe attributed Schiff's reluctance to debate to one thing.
"He's not up to speed on federal issues," Roe said.
"He needs more time to prepare."
UNCONFIRMED DEBATES BETWEEN ROGAN AND SCHIFF
* KPCC "AirTalk," 9 a.m. Aug. 17 or in September
* Glendale Kiwanis, Elks Lodge, 120 E. Colorado, noon to 1:30 p.m.
Oct. 13
* League of Women Voters, Burbank City Council Chambers on Oct. 20,
21, 25 and 27. Times have not been announced.
