Challenger in district attorney race Dugan drops out of planned candidates forum at WHYY

[RandySF]

Incumbent Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner and challenger Patrick Dugan were invited to meet again for a high-stakes debate at WHYY on April 22. However, WHYY News learned Wednesday that Dugan has backed out of the event.

Planning for the forum started in February between WHYY News, the Committee of 70, and the Philadelphia Bar Association and the two candidates confirmed their attendance in March. Later, the Dugan campaign told the event’s organizers that Dugan would not be attending after Krasner reportedly declined another public event.

Organizers said the event will go on with or without Dugan.

Lauren Cristella, president and CEO of Committee of 70, called it a missed opportunity.

“We need to give voters every chance to hear from the candidates,” she said. “The media interest in this race is good for democracy because previous elections have seen turnouts of only 20 to 30% and the only way we’re going to increase that is by increasing the attention put on it. We strongly encourage both candidates to give the voters every opportunity to learn more and earn their votes.”



https://whyy.org/articles/philadelphia-district-attorney-forum-whyy/

[Wonder Why]

1. Did I read it right that Dugan is a Trumpie?

The forum comes on the heels of a series of combative encounters between the candidates. In a West Philadelphia debate last month, tensions flared when Krasner questioned Dugan’s political affiliations, implying a connection to Republican President Donald Trump. Dugan bristled at the accusation, forcefully rejecting the suggestion and calling it a distraction from real issues.

“We’re not running against Donald Trump,” Dugan retorted. “We’re running against each other. Stop running against Trump and run on the safety of the city of Philadelphia.”

[link:https://whyy.org/articles/philadelphia-district-attorney-forum-whyy/]