KY-4: Kelley objects after Davis declines to debate

U.S. Rep. Geoff Davis (R-Ft. Mitchell) will not be debating his opponent, Lagrange physician Michael Kelley, this election cycle, as the race for the 4th Congressional District seat enters its final weeks.

Davis’ campaign attributed its decision to what it described as the differing character of the two campaigns involved.

“Congressman Davis' opponent is not taking this race seriously,” said Jeremy Hughes, the two-term incumbent’s campaign manager. “Michael Kelley's only major campaign event to date consists of riding a bike, and he has raised less than $13,000 from fourteen donors.”

Kelley’s campaign is an admittedly low-budget affair, with the candidate previously telling PolitickerKY.com that he didn’t expect to raise a lot of money, as he viewed most political fundraising as akin to “selling my integrity.”

The campaign event referenced by Hughes was Kelley’s bicycle trip across the district, over the Memorial Day holiday.

“Congressman Davis is taking this campaign seriously, and he is focused on the very serious issues facing our country,” continued Hughes. “Congressman Davis will be spending the month of October campaigning throughout the district talking directly with voters about the steps we need to take to change the direction of our country and our economy."

One forum that the candidates could have potentially participated in was Kentucky Educational Television’s scheduled 4th District debate on Monday, Oct. 6.

Kelley characterized Davis’ decision to not debate him as “disappointing.”

“It would be nice if the voters in the 4th knew where he stood on the issues,” said Kelley.

The Democrat also rejected the assertion that he was not taking the campaign “seriously,” noting he was making appearances across the district. Kelley argued Davis was basing that claim only on the campaign’s differing financial resources, where Davis holds an advantage that Kelley admitted made his challenge difficult.

“Congressman Davis is a big money candidate. He is not concerned in any way by ethics or integrity,” said Kelley. “They’re running against an opponent who is not willing to sell his soul for campaign cash, and that does make it easier for him.”

Kelley showed just over $7,000 on his last FEC reports, while Davis’ campaign had over $840,000 on-hand.

The Democrat referenced the incumbent’s use of Congressional franking privileges – the ability to send free mass mailings to constituents - as evidence Davis should be willing to debate in public forums.

“He spent $165,000 on franking supposedly because he is so intent on getting the word out,” said Kelley. “Why is it he is not taking this opportunity that costs taxpayers nothing?”

Davis ranked fifth among Congressional lawmakers for use of frank in 2006.

Kelley also said Davis’ policy positions were in-line with the Bush administration, and he argued that may contribute to the lack of debates.

“He’s afraid if he’s got to up there and explain his positions, taxpayers may not like what they hear,” said Kelley. “He can use his millions of dollars to buy his way to election. Because of that, he thinks there’s no reason to bother to tell voters where he stands.”