DEBATES IN MAKING FOR 8TH DISTRICT; TWO CANDIDATES EXCHANGE IDEAS

Republican Rep. Jo Ann Emerson and Democratic challenger Tony Heckemeyer hope to agree on where and when to disagree.

The two candidates have written each other to set a series of political debates or forums in the sprawling 8th Congressional District.

Heckemeyer has called for a one-on-one debate while Emerson has suggested more structured forums such as those sponsored by the League of Women Voters.

Heckemeyer first issued the debate challenge in July. He renewed his call for debates in a Wednesday letter sent by fax to Emerson.

"We stand apart on many issues and the voters deserve our explanations, not spin-doctored posturing," he wrote.

"Folks are smart enough to disregard the sound bites," Heckemeyer said. "They want the chance to look us in the eye and hear what we have to say."

The Sikeston Democrat suggested holding at least six formal debates in the district.

On Thursday, Emerson responded. She agreed the candidates should discuss the issues.

"In the past, the Emerson tradition has been to participate in forums or debates that are sponsored by local civic groups or media outlets and include all congressional candidates who are on the November ballot," the Cape Girardeau Republican said in her letter.

Emerson said Libertarian Party candidate John Hendricks of Jackson should be included in such forums or debates. Emerson suggested four or five forums be held in different parts of the district.

She said the two campaign staffs need to discuss possible sponsors, sites and formats.

David Adams, Heckemeyer's campaign manager, said his boss still would prefer a one-on-one debate with the first-term congresswoman. A political forum involving all three congressional candidates isn't a true debate, he said.

"Without a debate format, you really don't inform voters," Adams said. "You just give them a chance to hear more stock answers."

He said the Heckemeyer camp wants debates that would be sponsored by independent organizations such as civic groups, colleges and the news media.

"We are not going to walk into the Republican headquarters and try to have a fair, honest debate," he said.

Emerson's campaign staff suggested late Thursday afternoon that candidates should be barred from handing out campaign material at any forums.