MAGA Rep. Morgan Griffith (R-VA09) Refuses Debates With Democratic Nominee Joy Powers, Claims Voters “Already Know” Where He Stands

Pathetic as always by far-right-extremist, bigot, buffoon (e.g., climate denier) and overall disgrace Rep. Morgan Griffith (R-VA09):

Morgan Griffith Refuses Debates With Joy Powers, Says Voters “Already Know” Where He Stands

Bedford, VA — Congressman Morgan Griffith has declined Democratic nominee Joy Powers’ challenge to participate in three public debates across Virginia’s Ninth Congressional District before the November election.

In a letter to Powers, Griffith wrote that “the people of the Ninth District already know where I stand” and said he would rather spend the fall “listening” to voters than “trading rehearsed lines” with Powers on a stage.

“Morgan Griffith says he would rather spend the fall ‘listening’ to the people of the Ninth District than debate me,” Powers said. “If he were actually listening, he would know they have questions.”

Powers challenged Griffith on Aug. 24 to three debates — one in far Southwest Virginia, one in the New River Valley, and one on the eastern end of the Ninth District. Her proposal called for mutually agreed-upon locations, moderators and formats, with questions coming directly from voters across the district.

“Our campaign offered three fair debates: mutually agreed-upon locations, a mutually agreed-upon moderator, and questions from real voters across the Ninth District. Congressman Griffith calls that ‘staged.’ I call it accountability.”

Griffith has represented Virginia’s Ninth Congressional District in Congress since 2011.

“After 16 years in Washington, he should be able to stand in front of the people he represents and answer for his record,” Powers said. “A debate is not a favor to me. It is something he and I owe to the people asking us to represent them.”

In his response, Griffith defended his record, saying he “will not apologize for supporting a law that lowers costs” and “puts money back in the pockets of the working families of this district.”

Powers said Griffith’s claims do not answer the questions she hears from voters across the district.

“Why has federal spending continued to balloon on his watch? Why is he so determined to bring massive data centers into Southwest Virginia? And if Congressman Griffith says the legislation he has supported is really lowering costs, why aren’t families here feeling it?”

Powers said those are exactly the kinds of questions voters should have the opportunity to hear both candidates answer side by side.

“Congressman Griffith can reconsider at any time,” Powers said. “I’m ready.”

For press inquiries, please contact Brendon Bordwine at brendon@joyforva.com or (276) 206-5462.
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Now check out Griffith’s pathetic response:

Dear Ms. Powers,

Thank you for your letter. The people of the Ninth District already know where I stand.

I have spent years in this district, in person, answering to the people who sent me to Congress — not in carefully staged forums built around a single vote taken out of context. You are welcome to discuss that record as often as you like. I intend to keep making my case the same way I always have: face to face, town to town, county to county.

On the substance, since you raised it: I will not apologize for supporting a law that lowers costs, secures our border, unleashes American energy, and puts money back in the pockets of the working families of this district — rather than the tax increases, energy restrictions, and bigger government you would bring to Washington in my place.

I do not need a jointly negotiated format to tell voters what I believe. They already know. I would rather spend the fall listening to them and fighting for them than trading rehearsed lines with you on a stage.

I wish you and your team safe travels as you campaign across the district.

Sincerely,

Morgan Griffith Virginia’s Ninth District