DesJarlais rejects debate series in 4th District - WSMV Channel 4

SHELBYVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - Rep. Scott DesJarlais has said no to a series of debates with his Democratic challenger in the 4th District congressional race.

State Sen. Eric Stewart called for three debates in a challenge issued the night of the Aug. 2 primary. Stewart said the debate would help introduce the candidates to voters in the newly redrawn district, now anchored in southern Middle and East Tennessee.

"Eric Stewart received less than 27 percent of the primary vote while running unopposed, because he failed to put forth any substantive platform or outline where he stands on key issues. He even refuses to let Fourth District voters know who he believes should lead us as president during this critical point in our nation's history," said Brandon Lewis, DesJarlais' campaign manager, in a statement. "It seems that his desperation will drive him to any length short of thoughtful consideration about what it would take to solve our nations' problems."

Stewart responded that DesJarlais is a member of a "do nothing Congress" who wants to be a "do nothing candidate."

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