Friday Night is Date Night with My Wife

...says Glenn Donnelson on why he is not able to attend a debate this Friday. Is this an acceptable reason for a political candidate to miss a debate? Doug doesn't think so. Weber County Republican Party Chairman Matthew Bell joins Doug to explain what is going on in North Ogden.

The 11 O'Clock Hour Rundown

Glenn Donnelson called in to defend his unwillingness to debate. He said campaign meetings most of the week kept him busy, and on Friday, when the debate was planned, nobody shows up because they’re doing other things.

Doug argued debates have a sacred place in American politics. He also said he was concerned about the statement Donnelson made that he has nothing to gain. It’s not about you, Doug told him, it’s about the people.

Donnelson said people never come, and he can do more knocking doors than at a debate. Doug was shocked. He couldn’t believe Rep. Donnelson would deny people the opportunity to hear him. What about those who won’t get a knock on the door but would come out to a debate. Thank heaven other great debaters didn’t have the same attitude.

Donnelson said they should never have inter-party debates without an open seat. Doug wanted to know why the incumbent wouldn’t debate inter-party challengers. What about making the party stronger? What about the democratic process? Doug said he learned more about Rep. Donnelson during their short conversation than he did from Donnelson’s years in the legislature. Doug gave Donnelson the final word (really two words):

NO DEBATE.

Cell phone porn hasn’t gone unnoticed by the state. Officials say they’ll crack down on children swapping nude pictures of each other just like they crack down on other forms of child porn. Doug said something needs to be done, but it’s not an easy issue.

Gary Herbert came on to talk about the State Treasurer race controversy. He said the late hour of the legal action by Richard Ellis makes any action before election day difficult. People have already started early voting. He doesn’t want the perception of favoritism helping or hurting either candidate, and he has no intention to resolve the matter before Election Day.

What’s wrong with this picture? The race for State Treasurer should never be exciting.

The 10 O'Clock Hour Rundown

Glenn Donnelson, an incumbent state representative from North Ogden, declined to debate his challenger Ryan Wilcox. Donnelson cited scheduling conflicts with his weekly date night, and a lack of audience participation as his reasons.

Doug said it’s usually the person with the most to loose who whines the most about debates. The debate goes forward tomorrow at 7:00, whether Rep. Donnelson shows up or not. Doug said that’s how it should be.

An Ogden resident called in and said it sounds like Rep. Donnelson is invoking the fifth amendment, like he’s hiding something. Doug points out that the incumbent always has the most to lose in a debate. He thinks the reasons for not debating really boil down to that.

Ryan Wilcox, Donnelson’s challenger, called in to say the people in the district should have the right to meet both of the candidates. Doug said Donnelson’s date night or what he does or doesn’t have to lose isn’t the problem of the citizens. Doug offered to pay for movie tickets and ice cream for Donnelson and his wife if he shows.

Doug had Attorney General Mark Shurtleff on to explain the controversy over the State Treasurer’s race. Richard Ellis alleged his opponent for State Treasurer, Mark Walker, offered him a job and a pay raise if he would drop out of the race. After Lt. Governor Gary Herbert declined to investigate, Richard Ellis brought the case to the Utah Supreme Court. Shurtleff told Doug that for now, we’re just waiting to see how it turns out.

Update: Doug just had it out with Donnelson and made him look foolish.