U.S. Rep. Walter B. Jones Jr., whose contested Republican primary has attracted national attention, turned down a recent debate request, saying he didn’t want to share time or focus attention on his rival or his campaign.
The Republican Women of Pitt County in late February asked Jones and Frank Palombo, his opponent in the May 8 Republican primary, to participate in a debate. Jones’ staff said no.
“We were very disappointed, but we respected (his decision) at the same time,” said Judy Colbert, events chairwoman for the organization, which works to increase the effectiveness of women in government and promote political education and activity.
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Comments
Walter's Record
First, Walter Jones is a career politician with NO CLOUT in Congress. He has been in Congress for 18 years and has never chaired a committee. He was passed over for the majority chair on the Armed Services Readiness subcommittee by HIS OWN party. He voted against the Veteran's Opportunuty to Work Act which passed the House without his vote. He partnered with Barney Frank, Ron Paul on the Sustainable Defense Task Force which recommended over a trillion dollars in defense cuts which included the majority of F-35 and drastically reducing the V-22 work for Cherry Point. Yeah, he's really working for the military in our area. Walter will not debate because he CANNOT defend his record. Walter's father held the seat in the 1st district and died in office. He was replaced with Eva Clayton who won the election in 1992. Walter ran against EC in 1992 and could not beat her in the primary as a Democrat. He switched to the Republican party in the 1994 race in the 3rd district and won, prior to that He served 10 years as a Democrat in the NC House. The only real job he has ever had was working in the family office supply store. He served conveniently in the North Carolina National Guard from 1967-71 during Viet Nam. Upon entering Congress as a Republican he signed then Speaker Gingrich's Contract with America and promised to only serve 6 terms in Congress. He is now running for his 10th term. He is rated as one of if not the most LIBERAL Republicans in Congress. He has reportedly been asked to switch back to the Democratic party, Independant, or possibly the Libertarian Party as he is an ardent supporter of Ron Paul. As far as his being "Johnnie on the spot" with help, I recently talked to a local mayor who had made an appointment with the Congressman two months in advance. He wanted to discuss some local problems caused by hurricane Irene. He drove to DC for the appointment and Mr. Jones was not there! No message, no apology for wasting his time, nothing. Now that's concern for your constituents.
Defense Cuts
I don't view it as a negative that he had to make tough decisions on where spending needs to be cut. America cannot sustain the spending that is currently ongoing in Washington. At some point the dollar will be worthless if we do not get a handle on our fiscal policies. Defense, Social programs, Social Security, etc all need evaluation and cuts to balance the budget!
he's got my vote
he's got my vote
And...
mine as well.
JONES A GOOD MAN
Being a retired military reserve member of community I have found Mr. Jones to be avid supporter of our local military and a strong asset in Washington.If acting like a Republican requires agreeing with all tea party type ideas then he is probably not a good"Republican". Nor do I want him to be one. He has always supported our local bases and attended military functions although he has a busy schedule. I will vote for him regardless of which party he endorses. Beleive me we will miss him if he is ever gone.
I think his volume of work is impressive. I would not debate a newcomer who has little record to criticize or object to . An imcumbent with conviction will often make factions of his party mad, by not ' toeing the company line" The drum he marches to is much like mine , moderate with strong military ties.
I thank him for what he has done for us
I will vote for him again.
Barney Frank supports our military too, MCK54
So send him some money!
Pitt County holds a seat in Congress-- Give it to up?
Are you people crazy?.... Walter Jones is an ENORMOUS asset for Pitt County and JUMPS any time anyone from Pitt calls and he gets it done. A guy who fought against the OLF and whose independent streak is his best quality. He was clearly RIGHT about IRAQ, puts God FIRST and clearly isn't afraid to thumb his nose at the leadership of either party for what is right.. HE ISN'T OWNED , which is more than you can say about 99% of those DRAINING US DRY in Washington DC. The 12 other counties in this district would kill to have the congressional input we hold. We have no State Senator from Pitt County in Raleigh and with one retiring only one State House member?--- and you want to throw away Pitt County's clout, who holds decades of seniority..... and throw that away with some rookie at the bottom of pile, some loudmouth yankee retiree from New Jersey/Florida with recent residence in New Bern with zero clout... Seriously? I know my Pitt County residents are smarter than that and see the big picture. For Pitt County and for Eastern North Carolina we need to jump at the opportunity to have our man, Walter Jones Jr, the senior most congressman from the state of North Carolina.
Go eat some French Fries...
And you know the real reason why he won't debate....
He makes Gov. Perry look like the debate master!
Water Jones, the Democrats Favorite Republican
Walter Jones was a Democrat all his life until recently...
Recently
Recently is not true and very mis-leading!
How old is Walter and at what age did he switch parties?
And look at the reason he switched...
The facts show you're reply to be unfair and mis-leading and probably a DEMOCRAT!!!
Wrong again
Wrong again!
Worthless article
Why would any Congressman debate someone with No record? Crazy! It's all about upsetting a Republican seat like in Ohio and Illinois. Thanks Pitt County Republican Party and The Daily Reflector!
Please let me be clear
Thanks Pitt County Republican Party and The Daily Reflector is a sarcastic slap at both for there negative support fot the Congressman. I support Congressman Jones and without question will vote for him. I have no problems with how the Congressman votes!
Let be me clear, without question
most Liberals & Democrats support Jones because of how he votes!
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