Senate Debates

So The Times reports that Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Dianne Feinstein still refuses to debate Republican U.S. Sen. John Seymour (Aug. 29). So should it surprise anyone?

She clearly hopes to ride into office on a wave of media support and her all-too-predictable pandering to various voting groups. She may even make it if her campaign can keep her away from head-on discussions with her opponent.

One would think the media would be chomping at the bit to get these two on the same stage. On so many issues, these two candidates disagree. Seymour supports the free trade agreement. Feinstein does not. Seymour supported the use of force in the Persian Gulf. Feinstein did not. Seymour has consistently supported the death penalty. Feinstein has not. Seymour is for freedom of choice in education. Feinstein is not. The list goes on.

For supporters of both candidates, a debate would be interesting, a rallying event. But for those voters who remain undecided, debates represent their best chance to compare and contrast Feinstein and Seymour. We deserve more than 30-second sound bites.

ANNE MICHAELSEN

Los Angeles