Statement from Jackie Auringer on Withdrawal from Daily Freeman Debate

“After considerable thought, I have decided to withdraw from the debate sponsored by the Daily Freeman.

A number of factors have led me to conclude that this outlet cannot provide a fair and balanced forum in which to express my views and discuss the issues important to voters.

The Daily Freeman has repeatedly misspelled my last name, misidentified my father without correction, and imposed arbitrary editorial guidelines that are not transparent. More troubling is its failure to ask my opponent, Congressman Pat Ryan, a straightforward question: Why has he collected nearly $70,000 in taxpayer-funded lodging reimbursements while questions remain about his family’s residence in Washington, D.C.?

I also recently learned of a reported financial relationship between the Daily Freeman and the Ryan family, which reportedly rents property to the newspaper. This raises additional questions about potential conflicts of interest and the newspaper’s ability to serve as an impartial moderator.

Voters deserve serious journalism, fair questions, and an honest discussion of the issues facing our communities. I refuse to lend credibility to a process in which I have lost confidence.

I look forward to participating in the three other candidate forums scheduled before Election Day and discussing directly with voters the issues that matter most to them.”