On Thursday, Mike Frerichs, Democratic candidate for State Senate in the 52nd District, challenged Republican candidate Judy Myers to 10 debates that would be held between Labor Day and Election Day.

The debates proposed by Frerichs will take place in cities across the district, including Champaign and Urbana.

According to a press release from the Frerichs campaign, the letter was mailed Thursday via certified mail and Frerichs will eagerly await a response.

“Judy Myers has previously expressed an interest in open government and I can’t think of a more democratic, open vehicle for voter participation than a vigorous schedule of debates,” Frerichs said in the release.

The Myers campaign said it looks forward to having debates all across the district but had no other comment.

Joe Parnarauskis, Socialist Equality Party candidate for the 52nd District, was not extended an invitation to participate in the debates, said Tom Mackaman, Parnarauskis’ campaign manager.

“We find it to be hypocritical for him to challenge Myers to an open debate when at the same time he’s fighting tooth and nail to keep the Socialist Equality Party candidate off the ballot,” Mackaman said.

Parnarauskis has been trying to get on the November ballot and is waiting for a response from the state board of elections, Mackaman said, adding that he is optimistic Parnarauskis will be on the ballot.

Frerichs’ campaign could not be reached for further comment as of press time.

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