Carney and Hackett to debate once

Congressional candidate Chris Hackett proposed five debates with U.S. Rep. Chris Carney, his opponent this fall. He will get one.

Vincent Rongione, campaign manager for Carney for Congress, on Thursday said after reviewing debate opportunities the freshman congressman from Dimock Township has decided the Oct. 30 one-hour debate to be aired on WVIA-TV and simulcast on Pennsylvania Cable News Network will suffice.

Hackett’s Campaign Manager Mark Harris blasted the decision.

“Chris Carney obviously thinks he’s a Washington big shot now. First he abandoned his promise to represent Pennsylvania values by voting with Nancy Pelosi and the liberals 90 percent of the time. Now he refuses to even show enough respect for voters to defend his record in open and honest debates. Carney is a sorry excuse for a congressman, trying to win an election behind negative attacks instead of debates.”

Carney, D-Dimock Township, will square off in the general election with Hackett, R, a Kingston Township businessman, less than one week after the debate.

Read Friday’s edition of The Times Leader or visit www.timesleader.com on Friday for the complete story.