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Barack Obama hasn't closed the door on a debate in Indiana, but it's not his top priority, a campaign spokesman said Thursday.
Hillary Rodham Clinton has accepted an invitation from the Indiana Debate Commission, and her supporters have criticized Obama for not following suit.
In fact, Sen. Evan Bayh, D-Ind., said Thursday that almost every other significant state has had a debate, and “we in Indiana don't want to be treated like second-class citizens.”
Obama spokesman Nick Kimball said Hoosiers “want a chance to question the candidates themselves. … I don't think they're going to get too concerned about whether or not some debate moderators from news outlets have an opportunity to ask them questions.”
Obama and Clinton have participated in 21 debates, including four that were televised nationally, Kimball said.
Bayh said he knows there have been other debates, “but a lot of people in Indiana don't follow politics on a day-to-day basis. They're focusing now. Having that kind of debate will help them make the best decision. Both candidates owe it to the voters to have that forum in Indiana.”
Kimball said the Obama campaign is considering the commission's invitation but “in the context of our No. l priority: making sure Sen. Obama is able to have a direct conversation with Hoosiers about the issues impacting their lives.”
Obama has town hall meetings in Kokomo today and Marion and Anderson on Saturday.
Kevin Finch, president of the debate commission and news director of WISH-TV in Indianapolis, said Obama had promised to make a decision about an Indiana debate after the Pennsylvania primary. He noted that the Pennsylvania contest was very recent - Tuesday - so “we're still hopeful.”
He said the commission, which is working with CNN and PBS, could move quickly if the candidates agree to a debate, “but it is a limited window.” The Indiana primary is May 6.
sylviasmith@jg.net
