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PRESS RELEASE - Independent Challenger for Congress Invites Dent and Callahan to Debate
Jake Towne, running as an independent private citizen for United States Congress in Pennsylvania's 15th District encompassing the Lehigh Valley and parts of Berks and Montgomery counties challenged Republican incumbent Charlie Dent, and Democrat challenger John Callahan to a public debate on the issues facing the district and the nation.
In his letter, Towne noted a great need for a healthy public debate on topics ranging from our health care, the wars abroad, the economy, and the stability of the dollar. He related that many people in the district are hurting financially, and they want answers from their candidates for government now.
Towne is a Lehigh Valley native raised in Nazareth and holds a chemical engineering degree from Lehigh University. He returned home earlier this year from a nearly 4-year stint in Shanghai, China working in the semiconductor industry to run for Congress. His experiences living abroad have given him a deep appreciation for America's freedoms and quality of life.
Towne strongly believes that the actions of career politicians in Washington, DC, are leading our country down a path of both moral and economic ruin. He has created a novel-yet-simple plan of transparent and accountable government called the "Our Open Office" concept which can be read in detail at the campaign website, www.TowneForCongress.com.
Last week Towne raised over $2700 from 74 donors in a single day in an online "money bomb" created by grassroots supporters not affiliated with the campaign. This week he will be interviewed by Judge Napolitano at the FOX News studios in New York. Two weeks ago, Towne was part of a panel of FOX's Freedom Watch show taped on the campus of Drexel University. Towne extends an invitation to any local group to invite him to meet their members, listen to their concerns, and explain his campaign. Talks given to past groups can be viewed at http://towneforcongress.com/lots-more/campaign-speeches-and-talks.
[For any persons interested in meeting Jake, a list of events are here. On November 25th there will be a public "Towne" hall where people can attend and ask Jake questions.]
Contact: Campaign Manager Jessica Roth
Email: towneforcongress@gmail.com
Website: TowneForCongress.com
November 8, 2009
Dear Congressman Dent and Mayor Callahan -
I respectfully challenge either of you to a debate concerning our congressional race. I am open to either one-on-one debate or debating both of you at the same time.
While I can understand a relunctance on your parts to a debate so early before the November 2010 election – and that since you both are members of political parties that use the optional primary system so additional challengers are still possible – there is a great need for a public discourse on the troubles facing our nation. We are the only three candidates currently registered with the FEC.
The times we live in are not normal. The dollar is in crisis and unemployment is rampant. Civil liberties are restricted more with each passing day. We have apparently endless wars continuing in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. I am traveling the district and the people are hurting. Congress's solutions of more spending through the stimulus plan and more taxation via the Cap and Trade bill on energy and even our health care seem dubious at best.
Regardless of our differences in views as candidates, we owe it to the public to debate on these issues. Mayor Callahan, per the FEC you began your campaign on July 31, 2009. As of today, your website only contains an email sign-up. Why have you been unable to provide a website to the people with your stances on the critical topics facing our nation after 3.5 months as a candidate?
Congressional races should not be similar to sports teams duking out a popularity contest, we should have a healthy debate on the issues – for the good of the PEOPLE.
Reply if you like by simply confirming whether you are open to one-on-one debate with me, or a group debate between the three of us FEC-registered candidates, or both. After the next ten business days, I will deem no reply as a negative to both questions.
Respectfully,
Jake Towne
2010 Candidate for US Congress, PA-15
Liberty, Sound Money, the Rule of Law, and Accountability
TowneForCongress.com
"If there must be trouble, let it be in my day, that my child may have peace." – Thomas Paine, "The American Crisis," 1776
11 Comments
Anonymous
I cant believe there are politicians that run for office without even having to say a word about their views - that Calahan guy may be a smart "politician" but that doesnt make him a good public servant. Good luck and happy hunting Jake!
xraydavid
Does this letter get published in any local forums or news papers so the public can see it? Good luck getting this to actually happen,but I doubt your opponents will want the public to know they are only in office to further their own careers and line their own pockets. ds
Anonymous
Awesome! This is exactly what we need in Govt. Not some fluffy hope and change rhetoric....Hey America, there's real change here and it's not from some idiot politician, but a real man of the people. If all politicians don't adopt this system it shows their true colors. I commend you and your effort Jake! Go get 'em!
Anonymous
How about you wait until at the very least the new year, when the campaign cycle actually starts? At that point your questions may be relevant.
JakeTowne
In my mind, the "campaign cycle" starts when you file your papers and declare your candidacy to represent the people and be their servant.
Anonymous
Well, if you want the people to pay attention you wait. This years campaign JUST ended, do you really think the general public gives a rats tushie about next year yet? No, they don't. They barely gave a crap about this year. Too soon and you miss your target audience because they don't care yet. You have to not consider what is in "Your Mind" and consider what is in the VOTERS minds.
JakeTowne
Dear Anon -
You are somewhat correct here - I agree with you people certainly aren't planning who to vote for next year. However, I have to get the message out well in advance of the elections - I am an independent FYI
However, there is a lot of problems with our country and I will not be fiddling around as Rome burns, so to speak.
Let the career politicians fiddle
JakeTowne
For the record, no reply has been received from either Dent or Callahan as of December 12, 2009.