Files calls for ‘old-fashioned’ debate in District 13 Senate race

Jake Files has challenged his two opponents in the Arkansas Senate District 13 seat to a “good old-fashioned” debate where the candidates have the chance to grill each other.

Files faces Rep. Frank Glidewell and Jim Medley in the GOP primary for the Senate seat that represents Fort Smith. Sen. Denny Altes, R-Fort Smith, is term limited. The GOP primary (held May 18) for the Senate seat IS the race because a Democrat did not file.

“This is a critical election for the future of Fort Smith, and I think that the people should hear from all of us in order to make the best informed decision on Election Day. I am open to debate anytime, and I am issuing a challenge to my opponents to make this happen,” Files, a former member of the Arkansas House of Representatives, said in a statement.

Continuing, Files said an “old-fashioned” debate will best help the people of Fort Smith make an informed decision.

“I am talking about a real debate where we talk about issues and ask each other questions as opposed to a forum where a moderator asks us if we believe in an issue and then we get 30 seconds to articulate the answer. Fort Smith needs to elect people who can communicate a message and effectively carry an issue. I can think of no  better way to see these traits than a debate,” Files noted.

Sandy Pyle, who is helping former Arkansas House member Medley with his campaign, said Medley supports the debate idea. Pyle said she is working with Files to coordinate a location and find a moderator.

“We think it’s important to have questions answered and not to be just a forum where people make a speech,” Pyle said. “All three candidates have something to say, and I would like to see them address each other.”

Fort Smith attorney and Sebastian County Republican Party Chairman Rex Terry agreed with Files’ call for a debate.

“We are fortunate to have three candidates in this race that have legislative experience and who have been previously elected to represent Fort Smith. It sometimes becomes difficult to see differences. A debate would be a great opportunity to showcase our candidates and let the voters see and hear for themselves. I remember a time when we had a hard time finding people to run for office, and to have three running for this position sure makes things interesting,” Terry said in the statement released by Files.

Files had originally suggested Terry serve as the moderator, but Pyle said they since agreed to seek a completely unbiased, non-partisan moderator.

The City Wire was unable to connect late Monday with Glidewell. We will update this post with his response.