Editor:

This year’s race for the Senate seats brings together a solid mix of incumbents and challengers who have varied but clear positions on key issues. All of which can be found on their websites.

What is disappointing is that there are no debates scheduled for them that follow the presidential model. That is where one candidate responds to a question and the others can then ask follow-up questions.

Without this type of debate, the public is left to read position papers about the candidates’ thinking on issues. Yes, you can phone them or catch them on the campaign trail to ask questions and then make your own evaluation. But I do not believe that is typically what today’s voters will do. We need a good old fashioned bare knuckles debate on those very critical issues they will deal with in 2015-2016.

I hope that perhaps the local or regional press will sponsor such a debate in a Washington County facility that will allow for the public to attend and/or will be on local TV.

Rick Theken

Barre Town