Wehby to Speak at City Club Forum Alone

Thursday, October 23, 2014

Shelby Sebens, GoLocalPDX Reporter

U.S. Senate Candidate Monica Wehby

U.S. Senate Candidate Monica Wehby, a Republican, will speak at the City Club of Portland Friday forum without her opponent, U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley, a Democrat.

The event is just the latest result of the two candidates failing to agree on joint appearances. Wehby’s campaign sent out a press release Thursday blasting Merkley for not showing for the city club debate.

But Wehby has also refused debates, including an invitation from the Oregonian and KGW for a live televised debate.

The candidates have only been able to agree on one debate, which was Oct. 14 in Medford.

“After failing to sell voters on his failed policies in last week’s televised KOBI debate, Senator Merkley is waving the white flag in the battle of ideas,” Wehby’s campaign said in a press release. “Tomorrow’s debate marks the fourth that Senator Merkley has declined, joining the likes of forums hosted by Oregon Public Broadcasting, KOIN, and KGW.”

Merkley’s campaign could not be reached for comment. But officials told Oregon Public Broadcasting earlier this month they had agreed to five appearances with Wehby but she failed to show for two.

“Over the last two months, we repeatedly engaged Monica Wehby and her campaign to nail down the details of debates, but with the exception of the debate hosted by KOBI in Medford, she and her campaign ducked and dodged, and refused to engage with us and potential hosts,” campaign officials told OPB.