AUGUST 8, 2011
County GOP Chair Objects to Exclusion of Two Women Candidates for Chamber Debate
Maricopa County Republican Committee Chairman Rob Haney has taken strong exception to the Phoenix Chamber of Commerce’s exclusion of two female candidates for the Aug 15 mayoral debate.
“Voters should have the opportunity to hear the viewpoints of all the candidates, including Jennifer Wright and Anna Brennan, who were excluded from the Chamber’s recent line up of candidate’s that will be featured during the Aug. 15 debate,” Haney said this afternoon.
The Chamber refers to this as “the most competitive Phoenix Mayoral race in decades,” yet they have selected only four of the six candidates to appear in this debate, Haney pointed out.
“The Chamber leaves us with the impression that they are limiting the participants to financially well-connected councilmen and a lobbyist to the exclusion of two new faces to the political scene,” he commented.
“These two women gathered enough petition signatures to qualify for the race. We, as the electorate, deserve to hear every one of these candidates, not just the Chamber’s handpicked selection. I hope the Chamber will reconsider this decision and open this debate to all candidates involved,” Haney said.
Paid for by the Maricopa County Republican Committee. Not authorized by any candidate or candidate committee.
