Spanning much of western Colorado from Wyoming to New Mexico and from Utah to I-25 and beyond, the third congressional district is far from homogenous in its geography and in its population. The communities that comprise the district are diverse in their identities and issues of concern and those vying to represent the district should be compelled to discuss and debate those issues in key locations. As the third largest population center in the district, Southwest Colorado is among those and should be a debate site between Rep. Scott Tipton, R-Cortez, his Democratic challenger Sal Pace, and all other candidates on the ballot for the seat.
Fort Lewis College has offered to host such a debate, and that is an appropriate venue for a number of reasons, not least among which is the fact that both Tipton and Pace graduated from the college. More importantly, though, it would offer the candidates an opportunity to address for local voters the issues that are particularly relevant to this corner of the third congressional district.
The mileage required to represent the district or seek to is paralleled by a far-reaching diversity of interests and concerns. Voters in Pueblo are not likely to be concerned about where Tipton and Pace stand on proposed legislation to make additions to wilderness areas in the San Juan Mountains, or to develop a national conservation area around the Dolores River, or to provide federal reimbursement to Colorado for the money it spends on out-of-state Native American students at Fort Lewis College. These are important issues to Southwest Coloradans, though, and hearing the candidates address and debate them is critical to informed decision-making come Election Day.
Due to scheduling challenges, there is not yet a date set for a FLC debate between Tipton, Pace and others. Pace has agreed to attend a debate, but Tipton is apparently having difficulty finding time between meetings with constituents. As he told the Heralds editorial board this week, Ive still got a congressional job. A lot of this falls under the purview of the job. I have to be able to listen to these folks, Tipton said. That is fair enough, but debating relevant issues to voters across the district is part of Tiptons job as well. And given the range that those issues cover, it is critical that he and anyone seeking to hold office charged with tackling those issues state their positions clearly. Debates provide the best venue for that, and are an invaluable voter education tool.
Debates, or more specifically, their number, structure and location, are also a classic point of contention during any election season. Challengers typically want many opportunities to spar with the incumbent; those holding office typically prefer a lighter debate schedule. Finding middle ground is an exercise in politicking and negotiating. Thus far in the race, there have been two debates: in Alamosa and in Grand Junction. A third will be held in Pueblo on Oct. 10. These are all distinct communities, with some commonalities but much more that distinguishes them from one another and from Southwest Colorado. As such, voters here ought to have an opportunity to hear candidates address those unique issues and concerns that are critical to the region. The third congressional district candidates should debate here and soon.