U.S. Rep. Chuck Fleischmann has agreed to debate his Democratic challenger in one of the most conservative parts of Tennessee’s 3rd Congressional District, reports the Chattanooga Times-Free Press.
Fleischmann and Dr. Mary Headrick will square off Oct. 8 at the public library in Bradley County, where Republicans outvoted Democrats 9-to-1 in the August congressional party primaries. The announcement seems to fulfill the freshman Republican’s pledge to debate his Democratic opponent at least once before the Nov. 6 election.
Fleischmann spokesman Tyler Threadgill said it’s unclear whether another debate will happen again in a district that includes 10 other counties and large urban constituencies in Chattanooga and Oak Ridge.
“We’re onstage with our opponent and a moderator is asking questions,” Threadgill said. “The congressman has said he will debate, and he is looking forward to expressing his views.”
Headrick has called for as many issues-based debates as possible, including events strictly devoted to jobs and Medicare. The scheduled debate is her first breakthrough on that front, but a news release last week made it clear the Maynardville, Tenn., doctor wants more.