Vainieri Huttle Questions Why Johnson Refused Debate

Valerie Vainieri Huttle, candidate for State Senate in District 37, today called on Gordon Johnson to answer to the voters of District 37 regarding his decision to refuse Insider NJ’s request for a debate.

“Debates are democracy in action. As candidates for State Senate, we should all seize the opportunity to bring our records, plans and platforms directly to the voters. Gordon Johnson’s decision to refuse Insider NJ’s debate is an affront to voters, it puts his disdain for a true democratic process on full display.”

“My opponent wants to rely on the power of the county line and party bosses to get him elected, unlike Gordon, I am speaking directly to voters about their concerns and my work to build a safer, stronger and more equitable Bergen County and New Jersey. When voters hear about my work to protect nursing home residents during the pandemic, fighting for the rights of workers and protecting sexual assault survivors, they know that I use my voice to be their voice.”

“The question remains, what is Gordon Johnson so afraid of? If you believe that you are the strongest, most effective candidate for the job, why wouldn’t you seize every opportunity to prove that on the debate stage? If Gordon Johnson doesn’t want to answer questions that’s fine, but then he shouldn’t be running for State Senate in the first place.”