Teague agrees to three debates; Tinsley wants more

Democratic 2nd Congressional District candidate Harry Teague has agreed to three debates with Republican opponent Ed Tinsley, but he has thus far not responded to a challenge to make joint appearances in every county in the district.

According to the Teague campaign, Teague and Tinsley have agreed to three debates — on Saturday in Mescalero, Aug. 7 in Las Cruces and Oct. 19 in Albuquerque.

But Tinsley said in a Monday news release that he is disappointed in Teague’s failure to respond to his challenge to attend joint town-hall meetings in every county in the district. His campaign sent a letter to Teague’s on July 14 making the request, but it has gone unanswered.

“I will continue to travel the 2nd Congressional District to clearly articulate my vision for New Mexico,” Tinsley said. “I hope that Harry will come forward and let New Mexicans have a chance to hear the differences in our positions.”

Teague said in a statement released by his campaign that he is “eager” to debate Tinsley.

“We’ve already agreed to several debates and forums and expect to appear at several more,” Teague said. “And because Ed lives and works in Santa Fe, I’d be happy to show him around Southern New Mexico.”

Tinsley owns two homes, one in Capitan in the 2nd District and one in Santa Fe in the 3rd District. Teague and Democrats have repeatedly accused Tinsley of not living in the district he seeks to represent.