Addivinola appears on Fox 25 to debate… an empty chair

PRESS RELEASE

November 20, 2013

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Last night, Frank Addivinola, a Republican candidate to fill the seat vacated by now Senator Ed Markey, appeared on Fox 25 News to debate... an empty chair.

While Frank Addivinola spoke on the 5pm newscast about his desire to work in Washington to improve the country and help the 5th Congressional District, his opponent's chair was vacant, a microphone sitting unused in Senator Clark’s seat.

"We're showing you an empty chair because that's where she would have sat if she was here," said Fox 25 News anchor Maria Stephanos. "That's her seat there. She chose not to sit in it. She declined to be here."

"We have also asked for a statement from the campaign. We have yet to receive one," Maria Stephanos added.

When asked about his opponent’s absence, Frank Addivinola questioned Clark’s campaign message of going to Washington to “fight extremist Republicans” while being unable to come out for debates and have a civil issues-oriented discussion with her opponent.

In this special election scheduled for December 10th, Clark has the distinction of disrespecting the voters of the 5th Congressional District by rejecting seven debate opportunities. The last rejection was issued yesterday whereby Clark declined the offer issued by the Winchester League of Women's Voters. For someone so outspoken about women issues, it is unclear why Senator Clark would not be willing to participate in the debate aimed at educating women voters about candidates’ positions.

Frank Addivinola has called out Sen. Clark in the media outlets on her unwillingness to debate. When contacted last week by an independent reporter, her campaign claimed to work hard on scheduling debates, but declined to comment when asked about the debates she rejected.

Frank Addivinola is questioning Sen. Clark’s motivation in this matter. In a statement issued today, Frank Addivinola said:

“Why Sen. Clark is hiding from debates? What is it that she is hiding from voters? In my opinion, she doesn’t want to face the questions about her voting record in the State Senate. Sen. Clark speaks loud about helping people, but when it comes to her votes, her actions speak louder. The votes she took s state legislator hurt people that need and deserve help. Maybe this is the reason she is not available to debate. She would have to explain a lot to the voters of the 5th District.”

View the Fox 25 News video segment to see the "empty chair" debate.

This week Frank continues to appear on the campaign trail. On Thursday November 21, media personality Howie Carr will join Frank at a fundraiser to benefit the campaign. The event will be held at The Chateau Restaurant, 195 School St, Waltham from 6:30 - 8:30 pm. Press is invited to attend.