The Connecticut Tea Party Patriots group is hosting an April 15 candidates debate in Woodbury, ground zero for the “Dump Dodd” “No Blumen Way” movement.
Each of the Republicans running for U.S. Senate was invited to participate. Rob Simmons, Peter Schiff and Vinnie Foras all said they’ll be there, according to Tanya Bachand, state coordinator for the grassroots group.
Linda McMahon declined.
UPDATE: Art McNally says in an email that McMahon told the debate’s organizers that “she must visit RTCs [Republican Town Committees] that evening and cannot make it to our Woodbury forum.” McNally, who calls himself “Joe the Voter,” says a seat on the dais will be left vacant “to remind people she is seeking their nomination too.” I have an email out to McMahon spokesman Ed Patru seeking comment.
As the CT Mirror notes, last month’s Q poll shows that the Tea Party movement enjoys broad support among Connecticut Republicans and nearly half of the Tea Party backers also back McMahon.
Unlike other debates, the format of this one allows audience members to ask the candidates questions. It will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. at Nonnewaug High School and Bachand will serve as moderator.