Michigan US Senate candidates largely embrace task force debate plan

DETROIT — Nearly all of the major U.S. Senate candidates in Michigan said Tuesday they would be willing to participate in three debates ahead of the fall general election organized by the new Michigan Debate Taskforce.

The first debate is planned for the Grand Rapids area on Sept. 12, the second in the Traverse City area on Oct. 10 and the last in Metro Detroit on Oct. 22 that would be broadcast by TV partners. The task force is comprised of universities, Chambers of Commerce and the Urban Leagues of Detroit and west Michigan, among others.

The Democratic frontrunner, three-term U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin of Holly, was the only candidate not to explicitly commit to the proposal, though she didn't rule out participating. Slotkin took part in debates in her three runs for U.S. House in mid-Michigan.

"Elissa has always done general election debates in each of her last campaigns, and she plans to do the same in this race," spokesman Antoine Givens said in a statement.

"She welcomes the chance to highlight the differences between her and her opponents, and we look forward to working out those details in the coming months."

The other two Democratic candidates, the actor Hill Harper of Detroit and businessman Nasser Beydoun of Dearborn, both said they'd commit to "any" Michigan debate if they're the party nominee. Both have been pushing for primary election debates in front of voters as well.

"This is the first competitive Democratic primary for an open U.S. Senate seat in Michigan in nearly two and a half decades," Harper said in a statement. "Michiganders deserve to see and hear from the candidates about their values and platforms. The people of Michigan are choosing a new senator, and they deserve every opportunity to make an informed decision."

Republican candidates Sandy Pensler and former U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers and Justin Amash also embraced the taskforce's proposal. Rogers of Brighton's campaign said he is game to debate "anytime, anywhere."

“Anytime, anywhere, Mike Rogers is ready and eager to debate Elissa Slotkin over her wholesale support of the Biden agenda of higher prices, open borders, and big government mandates,” Rogers spokesman Chris Gustafson said in a statement.

Former U.S. Rep. Justin Amash, a Libertarian from Cascade Township who is seeking the GOP nod, also welcomed the debate plan.

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