Cardwell Misses Opportunity and Taylor Claims Hoeft is Biased

Bearing Drift regrets to announce that the 2nd Congressional District GOP Debate scheduled for May 31 has been canceled. It’s a great disappointment to us, especially since we tried so hard – and were led to believe – that this was going to happen.

Unfortunately, this is the second time that both the Pat Cardwell and Scott Taylor campaigns have played games with legitimate debate offers (the first was with the Republican Professionals Network) only to cancel.

But let’s get into how BD got involved with this debate.

After Cardwell had been excluded from a business forum that requires a $40 ticket for members and a $45 ticket for nonmembers, I approached all campaigns gauging their interest in a free BD debate.

Here’s the response to my initial query:

Cardwell: Yes. Anytime, anywhere.
Taylor: “I would love to do a big free one. I think that is best for everyday people who would like to attend.” This was from Scott Taylor and is a direct quote.
Forbes: We’re right in the middle of National Defense Authorization Act markup as the chairman of House Armed Services Seapower Subcommittee. Can we get back to you?

Regardless of the initial indication, we pressed forward. Also stepping to the plate we were joined by the Virginia Beach Tea Party and the Republican Second Congressional District. What resulted was a venue was secured, ground rules were drafted and plans to finalize details were made.

Once we finally got word from Forbes that he would be available May 31, we announced the debate.

Unfortunately, it was at that point that both the Taylor and Cardwell campaigns suddenly were unreachable for further planning, including participation in an important conference call this past Friday where potential concerns were to be addressed. Team Taylor also claimed that I, because I provided analysis two months before during a two minute TV interview, was suddenly biased. Even though I moderated two debates of his previously in 2010.

Bottom-line: BD thanks all the campaigns for their initial interest and it is our sincerest regret to the citizens of the 2nd District that we are unable to provide you a free and public debate of the Republican congressional candidates.