Press Release

June 23, 2006

Contact Jesse Johnson 304-541-9841

US Senate Candidate Johnson Accepts Raese’s Debate Offer

Jesse Johnson, WV Mountain Party’s candidate for US Senate announced today he would take up John Raese’s challenge to engage in a series of 7 debates. “Neither of us has held public office and the voters deserve to hear our opinions on how we would perform should either of us be tapped for the Senate,” commented Johnson.

When asked about including the incumbent, Jesse added, “I don’t think its necessary. Senator Byrd is now the longest serving Senator in all US history. His record is clear for the voters to see. Let the challengers debate!”

Johnson , the Mountain party’s candidate for WV governor in 2004, actively participated in many of the scheduled debates in that race. He debated both one-on-one with the Republican candidate and participated in the three-way discussion sponsored by public broadcasting and the League of Woman Voters as well as the debate at University of Charleston during that campaign.

“Any debates between any of the candidates further the public’s knowledge about their choices in the fall. New ideas are the fertilizer to grow our democracy, “ commented Johnson, “The recent primary election had the lowest turnout in WV history. Debates will help get citizens interested in participating again.”

Jesse Johnson received the largest percentage of votes in the nation for an independent party candidate for governor in 2004. The Mountain Party is the only independent political party which has obtained a line on West Virginia’s ballot in the Fall election.
 

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