Republican Steve Papadakos, who is challenging incumbent Democratic state Sen. Bob Duff to represent Norwalk and Darien, today rebuffed his opponant’s invitation to reschedule a candidate forum in the latter town.
Papadakos last week missed a League of Women Voters forum because of what he said was a severe stomach illness.
Clearly reacting to speculation Papadakos ditched the event following a poor debate performance a few days earlier in Norwalk, Duff has e-mailed his opponant – and the press – requests to reschedule.
In today’s e-mail Duff wrote Papadakos that he has seen him at four different events recently and does not understand why they cannot get together in Darien.
“I think it is important for residents to personally hear both of us so that they can make an informed choice on Tuesday,” Duff wrote. “They deserve nothing less.”
In his own e-mailed response to Duff and reporters, Papadakos wrote he has spoken to Darien voters and they are “well informed about our political differences.”
“It … surprises me that you think a debate at this late date is necessary or that it would be helpful,” Papadakos wrote. “I believe that our time is better spent talking with area voters and on my part it will be to remind them of the pressing need to get more of our tax dollars returned from Hartford to Norwalk and Darien.”
Duff in his response promised the debate would last an hour and he would “execute the details.”
“I disagree with you and believe the voters would be well served by hearing both of us get together and discuss the issues,” Duff wrote.
