Senate Candidate Walker Challenges Opponent to Debates

For Immediate Release: October 5, 2010

For More Information:  AJ Sheehan (217) 622-3580

ILLINOIS STATE SENATE CANDIDATE JEREMY WALKER WANTS TO EDUCATE VOTERS ON THE ISSUES, ENGAGE PUBLIC

RED BUD, IL – First-time candidate for the Illinois State Senate Jeremy Walker publicly challenged his opponent to a series of debates earlier today. Walker says the debates will give residents throughout the district an opportunity to be more informed about issues before the upcoming election.

“I received a lot of feedback from our first debate at WSIU, but unfortunately not everybody was able to watch it,” Walker said. “The voters would be more engaged from live debates they could attend in person. This is about allowing the people of Southern Illinois to educate themselves on their choice for state senator before heading to the polls. It’s in the best interest of the general public as well as my opponent to accept this open invitation and attend.”

Last week, Walker and his opponent, Sen. Luechtefeld, faced off in a healthy, taped debate as a part of WSIU-TV’s “InFocus” program. The candidates were asked a number of questions on topics ranging from the state budget to education funding. Walker says debates like this encourage voter participation and get residents more actively involved in the process.

After last week’s debate, Walker said he was inspired to challenge his opponent to another set of debates that the public could attend before Election Day.

“I am challenging my opponent to participate in two more debates before Election Day – one in the northern half of the district as well as the southern half,” Walker stated. “It is my hope that Sen. Luechtefeld won’t back down from this challenge. I am looking forward to hearing back from him soon.”

About Jeremy Walker – Jeremy Walker is a first-time candidate for the Illinois State Senate. He is running against fifteen-year incumbent Senator Dave Luechtefeld. Jeremy grew up on his family’s farm in rural Illinois. After graduating from Red Bud High School, Jeremy attended Belleville Area College (now SWIC) where he received his associate’s degree. Jeremy later attended SIU-C and received his bachelor’s degree in political science and minored in agribusiness before receiving his law degree from SIU-C as well. Jeremy lives in Red Bud with his wife, Jennie, and their newborn, Grayson Glenn.

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