Walorski, WSBT, and the Political Conversation

By Joe Ruiz, Libertarian Party Candidate U.S. Congress, IN-2

Today Elkhart Truth reporter Tim Vandenack created a blog entry titled “Does Libertarian U.S. House Hopeful Joe Ruiz Deserve Attention?” This entry discussed the debates that have been confirmed between Ruiz and his political opponents as well as those which have not been confirmed.

  

Among those not confirmed is the debate proposed by WSBT Radio which station representatives have admitted would exclude Joe Ruiz. One of the reasons given for his exclusion, according to WSBT, is that the “news gathering organization hasn’t received any campaign materials from the Libertarian, like press releases, announcements and the like. Taken together, WSBT has no proof he’s actively campaigning.”

 

Ryan Liedtky, who serves as Campaign Manager for Ruiz stated the following: “We have sent press releases to WSBT in the past with no results. This goes back at least six years when I served as Representative to the Libertarian Party of Indiana’s State Central Committee. WSBT has chosen to ignore us, not the other way around. We continue to build positive relationships with other outlets and that is evidenced by the various other newspapers and radio stations that have covered this campaign.”

 Joe Ruiz, on the other hand, is more concerned that this journalistic strategy paints an inaccurate picture of what is really happening. “There was a banquet for the Indiana State Medical Association months back. I was there and Brendan Mullen was there. Walorski was expected to be there but didn’t show up.”

Ruiz continued. “Then, at Meet the Candidates Night in Starke County this week my campaign had representation. Walorski, who had committed to either attend or send a representative, did neither at the last minute. I have to wonder if she’s actively campaigning. I suppose if it had been a parade the voters might have had the opportunity to speak with her.”

Regarding the debates Walorski’s campaign insists that she has chosen the venues which allow the largest number of voters to see her. Ruiz says “that’s a cop-out. I work a full time job, raise a family, and still find a way to make it to a majority of the events I’m invited to. The debates are particularly important because they’re about ideas. Ignoring your opponent isn’t an option when they’re standing right next to you. Not only is my campaign active, it’s alive and strong.”

Finally Ruiz took to Facebook and Twitter in reference to the initial question “Does Libertarian U.S. House Hopeful Joe Ruiz Deserve Attention?” Ruiz stated, “My answer? The People deserve attention - and I am the only candidate in this race who is in it to fight for more than just their vote. So the answer is yes!”