Challenger Requests to Debate Frelinghuysen

Douglas Herbert, the Democratic candidate for New Jersey's 11th district in the U.S. House of Representatives, moved forward with his summer campaign last week, challenging eight-term Republican incumbent Congressman Rodney Frelinghuysen to a series of debates.

Herbert sent a letter to Frelinghuysen's office on Wednesday. Frelinghuysen will hold a town hall meeting at the West Caldwell Municipal Building on Saturday, Aug. 7 at 11:30 a.m.

"In these tough economic times, the people of the Eleventh District and America are struggling and they deserve leaders who will properly address their concerns," Herbert wrote in the letter to Frelinghuysen. "As candidates for the House of Representatives and out of respect for our American democracy, we owe it to the voters to hold honest and open debates about the future of our nation."

Herbert proposed a series of three debates, one per month in August, September and October.

Each debate, as proposed by Herbert, would have a theme, starting with the economy and job creation, followed by energy policy and the environment and concluding with an open forum question-and-answer session with residents of the 11th district, which includes Caldwell, West Caldwell and North Caldwell.

The location and hosts of the debates were not specified, other than being held in the 11th district and moderated by a non-partisan group, according to the proposal.

Herbert said he had not heard a response from Frelinghuysen's office as of Friday afternoon at 4:30 p.m.

"The debates are important to inform the public about the differences of our opinions and positions," Herbert said. "An election is about informing the public, and the best way to do it is to have the two people there who are running for office answering questions."

Frelinhuysen could not be reached for comment.

Editor's note: An earlier version of this story said Frelinghuysen will appear in West Caldwell Saturday at 9 a.m. However, he will hold a town hall meeting at 11:30 a.m.