The 2006 Campaign Record
 

At the joint interview with the Columbus Dispatch editors, Hobson avoided discussion of the critical issues of the war in Iraq, the budget deficit, the trade deficit, ethics in congress, Social Security, the minimum wage, and health care.  In response to my charges that he took large contributions from oil, drug, and banking interests and allowed them to write the laws, he said that there were times when he didn't do what they wanted.  He filled the time with detailed accounts of individual cases of constituent services. He was aided by a staff member who constantly shuffled papers in front of him and corrected his misstatements.  He was an embarrassment. 

Hobson has refused an offer from WHIO TV7 to host a live debate.  I accepted that offer immediately.

Hobson has made very few appearances in the district.  I only know of one, the Beavercreek Women's League Candidate Forum.  There, he again filled his allotted time with individual cases of constituent services performed by his staff.  In his free and paid TV appearances, he never talked about national issues - only pork barrel and constituent services.

I appeared at every parade, fair, festival, radio and TV interview, and candidate forum.  I spent 3 days at the Pumpkin Festival in Circleville walking among the crowds and talking to people.  I talked the issues at every event.

WHIO TV offered to host a live debate between Hobson and me.  I  accepted.  He  refused.  When I asked if he would reconsider, he said, "You run your campaign: I'll run mine."

The radio station AM 610 in Columbus offered to host a joint appearance of Hobson and me.  I appeared.  He did not.  At the end of the 10 minute interview, the host Joel Riley (reportedly a right winger) said, "You certainly did your cause good tonight."