Debate Drama Continues: Candidates Invited to Forum on Senior Issues

Candidates in the 8th Senate District recall election have been invited to a forum Aug. 2 on issues affecting seniors in Milwaukee.

State Sen. Alberta Darling (R-River Hills) and challenger Rep. Sandy Pasch (D-Whitefish Bay) have been invited to a debate at the Washington Park Senior Center, 4420 W. Vliet St., in what would mark their second .

The forum will address the candidates' stance on Medicare and Medicaid, family care, senior care, Internet sales tax, corporate spending on political campaigns, tax cuts and increases and voter identification requirements.

A spokesperson for Wisconsin Alliance of Retired Americans, one of the organizations sponsoring the forum, said Pasch has confirmed her attendance, but the group is still waiting on a response from Darling’s office.

Andrew Davis, Darling's campaign manager, said the campaign was still considering the request, however, he noted the location of it was not Daring's district. The Washington Park Senior Center is located in the 6th Senate District.

"It wouldn't make much sense to attend a forum that's not even in Darling's Senate district," he said.

The forum will still take place even if Darling doesn't accept the invitation, WI Alliance spokesperson Billy Feitlinger said. The Coalition of Wisconsin Aging Groups is also sponsoring the event.

Later that same day, Darling will be the featured newsmaker at a , fielding questions from reporters and the audience members. Pasch is scheduled for a Press Club event on Monday.

On Aug. 3, both candidates will attend an invitation-only forum sponsored by the at the Radisson Hotel.

The Pasch campaign has accused Darling of being afraid to debate, criticizing her for turning down numerous invitations.

However, Davis has said that declining debates are part of the campaign's strategy and not fear. Darling’s focus in the next few weeks will be on reaching out to her constituents in person, he told Patch.