GUN DUEL? TWO SIDES READY TO DEBATE CONCEALED WEAPONS ISSUE

Both sides on the concealed weapons issue want to duel it out in debates prior to the April 6 election.

Missourians Against Crime -- which is pushing for passage of the "right to carry" measure -- proposed Saturday that four debates be held around the state.

The group, which has heavy backing from the National Rifle Association, wants to hold debates in Cape Girardeau, St. Louis, Kansas City and Springfield.

Marc Farinella, a volunteer spokesman for the opposition group -- Safe Schools and Workplaces Committee -- said the organization would welcome debates on Proposition B.

"We think debates are a very good idea and we are interested in working to assure that the greatest number of people would see them," said Farinella.

Both sides said they hope for television coverage of the debates.

Farinella said televised debates would reach a broader audience.

Proposition B would allow the general public to carry concealed weapons with state permits.

Fred Myers Jr., campaign manager for Missourians Against Crime, issued the debate challenge in a letter Saturday to Robin Carnahan.

Carnahan, the daughter of Gov. Mel Carnahan, is one of the leaders of the Safe Schools and Workplaces Committee.

Myers said, "Voters deserve to hear both of our positions. They deserve the chance to go beyond the rhetoric and the stories in the news media to hear from both of our groups in an unedited, open forum."

Both Myers and Farinella said the two sides still must finalize details on locations, formats, moderators and sponsors.

With the election only weeks away, that will have to happen quickly if the debates are to be held.

Myers has asked the Safe Schools and Workplaces Committee to respond to the debate challenge by Monday.

Farinella said opponents of Proposition B expect to be heavily outspent.

The Missourians Against Crime has more money to spend on television ads, Farinella said.

"We are kind of in a David and Goliath position here. We are going to be grossly outspent," he said.

As a result, Farinella said his group welcomes the opportunity to state their case in public debates.