Judy Seckler
BURBANK -- If voters are relying on upcoming debates between U.S. Rep.
James Rogan (R-Burbank) and state Sen. Adam Schiff (D-Burbank) to
determine their votes, they're in for a disappointment.
In recent weeks, both candidates have accepted invitations to speak
before different interest groups.
By Friday, 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 has three invitations penciled in for September, Rogan's
campaign manager Jason Roe said. Of the two confirmed Rogan events,
Schiff was not scheduled to attend either. The details of the third event
were undecided, Roe said.
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 in the Burbank City Council Chambers,
said Terry Bailey, the 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.
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.
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 ask 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," said Roe,
who 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 DATES FOR DEBATES BETWEEN ROGAN AND SCHIFF
* 9 a.m. Aug. 17 or in September on KPCC "Airtalk."
* Noon to 1:30 p.m. Oct. 13 at Glendale Kiwanis, Elks
* Lodge, 120 E. Colorado St.
* Oct. 20, 21, 25 or 27, League of Women Voters, Burbank City Council
Chambers. Times have not been announced.
