Fergus Cullen, Chairman of the New Hampshire GOP has released a statement on the matter:
Date: December 31, 2007
From: Fergus Cullen, Chairman, New Hampshire Republican Party
NH REPUBLICANS: DON’T LIMIT DEBATE PARTICIPANTS
CONCORD – New Hampshire Republican Party Chairman Fergus Cullen releases the following statement regarding primary weekend debates:
“Limiting the number of candidates who are invited to participate in debates is not consistent with the tradition of the first in the nation primary. The level playing field requires that all serious candidates be given an equal opportunity to participate – not just a select few determined by the media prior to any votes being cast.”
“Therefore, the New Hampshire Republican Party calls upon all media organizations planning pre-primary debates or forums for both parties to include all recognized major candidates in their events.”
“The New Hampshire Republican Party has notified FOX News of our position, and we are in ongoing discussions with FOX News about having as many candidates as possible participate in the forum scheduled for January 6.”
Fergus CullenChairman, New Hampshire Republican Party
I wish they’d make up their mind and call it either a forum or a debate, instead of switching terminology …
Hat Tip: The Daily Paul
Note: Since I initially posted this, I’ve posted the following additional articles about the FOX News exclusion, as well as the ABC News/WMUR exclusions:
“More Debate Exclusion in New Hampshire“
“New Hampshire Debate Exclusion Update & My Open Letter to WMUR and ABC News“
“Senator John Sununu (R-NH) Weighs in on FOX Forum/ABC Debate Exclusions“
It is very disturbing that someone who is supported by such a large number of people as Ron Paul should be excluded.
There are enough indicators to prove that he is a very popular candidate despite the fact that the media will not give him fair coverage. We know the press is biased but they should at least allow him to be heard and let the people decide what they think about his message. The other candidates know they can’t hold their own in a debate with Paul and the media doesn’t want his ideas to get any attention. Nice example to set for the world. Not.