Puckett says no to Zirkle suggestion for debate in congressional race

Tribune Staff Report

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Luke Puckett

GOP candidate Luke Puckett announces his intention to run against Democrat Joe Donnelly for Indiana's 2nd District congressional seat Tuesday at the GOP headquarters in South Bend. He will face Tony Zirkle in the May 6 GOP primary. (Tribune Photo/BARBARA ALLISON)

By Beth Boehne

Story Created: Mar 7, 2008 at 1:18 PM EDT

Story Updated: Aug 5, 2008 at 3:38 PM EDT

SOUTH BEND — Luke Puckett has told Tony Zirkle he has no interest in debating.

Both men are Republican candidates in the 2nd Congressional District, presently represented by Democrat Joe Donnelly of Granger.

Puckett, of Goshen, has the support of the local Republican Party, while party officials have tried to distance themselves from Zirkle, who has suggested segregation of the races needs to be discussed.

"What's your campaign's position on debates?" Zirkle, of South Bend, asked in an e-mail to the Puckett campaign. "I can probably be available any night except Friday night for a debate in any of the 12 counties" of the 2nd Congressional District.

Kyle Bailey, campaign manager for Puckett, responded, "Due to your outrageous and hurtful comments toward African Americans, Hispanic Americans, and Americans of all cultures, we decline any debates.’’

The Puckett campaign would prefer to concentrate on a positive vision for the future, Bailey said.

Read the full e-mail exchange between the two campaigns.

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