Campbell: King disrespects democracy with debate snub

AUDUBON — Democratic congressional candidate Matt Campbell of Manning Tuesday night renewed his challenge to opponent U.S. Rep. Steve King, R-Kiron, to debate in a formal, televised setting — something King has not done with a balloted opponent since winning his seat in 2002.

Manning Regional Healthcare Center CEO Angela Johnson talks with Matt Campbell (photo: Douglas Burns)

Earlier in the week, Campbell approached King at a town hall meeting and asked for a debate. On Tuesday, during an event at Taylor Hill Lodge, the Audubon farm of former Democratic National Committee chairman Charles Manatt, Campbell told The Iowa Independent that debates between major-party candidates for offices are central to representative government.

“It’s why competitions are held,” Campbell said. “It’s no different than why sons and daughters go out and play games and football games. You never know. He needs to respect the process. I think the debate is a cornerstone of American democracy. Someone from the party of Lincoln should recognize that.”

For his part, Manatt grew up in Audubon and went on to substantial success in business and the law in California and Washington, D.C.. He served as chairman of the Democratic National Committee from 1981 to 1985. On Tuesday, Manatt’s fundraiser for Campbell drew contributors from across western Iowa.

“Matt is such a wonderfully competent and well-trained and vigorous candidate for Congress that if I were state chairman in Iowa I’d be thrilled to have him running in this district,” Manatt said in an interview. “Obviously, the district is a tough one for a Democrat to win. But if you have the best candidate you can find and they carry on a very, very vigorous campaign, then you are so pleased with what you have.”

Campbell said King’s refusal to debate amounts to an “abuse of his office.”

At the town hall in Sioux City on Monday, King said flatly he would not debate in direct response to a question from Campbell on the matter.

“Judging from the fashion you have conducted yourself you have not earned it,” King said. The Sioux City Journal and other media taped video of the exchange.

Campbell said he sent a formal debate prospectus and certified letters to King’s campaign and Washington, D.C., congressional offices.

“I certainly think I can win this race and there’s a good chance I will win this race,” Campbell said.

Campbell, 40, a Manning native with University of Iowa and Georgetown University law degrees and international tax experience, moved back to Iowa just before Christmas in 2009. He had most recently worked in Houston, Texas, on tax issue for BKD, LLP, doing planning and reporting for a number of Southern businesses.

A self-described “Blue Dog” Democrat, Campbell said he is conservative on fiscal issues and progressive on social issues. He plans to make economic development in western Iowa his top priority.

“I bring, I think, a strong business background into the race,” Campbell told a crowd of about 100 supporters in Audubon on Tuesday.

When asked directly by The Iowa Independent how he would respond to suggestions that he’s a carpetbagger or political opportunist, having declared office only weeks after moving back to Iowa, Campbell said he has long-term plans to remain in western Iowa, regardless of the outcome of the Nov. 2 race.

“I’m a son of five generations of Iowa farmers,” Campbell said. “Where I live right now has been a family farm since 1880. Campbells have a long history here in Manning. I don’t think there’s anyone more Iowan than what I am. As far as settling down and having a family it would make no one happier than my mom. I’m sure she’d love to see it.”

Campbell did not discuss potential career options should he lose.

“I’m not focused on losing right now,” Campbell said. “I think its red-hot on the ground right now.”

Iowa’s 5th Congressional District overwhelmingly favors a Republican. As of Aug. 1, voter registration stood as follows: 149,000 Republicans, 95,000 Democrats and 123,000 independents. In some sections of the district, the GOP margin is crushing, such as in Sioux County where there are 14,300 registered active Republicans compared to 1,700 Democrats.

Is it mathematically possible for Campbell to win?

“As you know, in politics you never say never,” Manatt said. “Of course he could. Will he? Only time will tell.”

Campbell pointed to the number of independents, and added that he can do well with moderate Republicans.

“There’s a lot of King fatigue that’s out there,” Campbell said. “I talk to too many Republicans that are tired of his tone.”

Campbell said the economy and jobs are voters’ primary concerns. That could make 2010 a much different year in western Iowa politics because of Campbell’s business background, he said.

“People are looking to make a change,” Campbell said. “People like someone that’s got fresh ideas and a fresh perspective, particularly when its contrasted to the negativity that Steve King has. I also think that the fact that I’m 40 opens me up to a segment of voters that King probably doesn’t connect well with. I think some of the older voters out there see me as a new next-generation leader of Western Iowa.”