Debbie Wasserman Schultz agrees to debate Tim Canova this Sunday morning – for 15 minutes, anyway
Debbie Wasserman Schultz has introduced a bill that would help ensure the 80,000 Holocaust survivors in the United States to get the specialized care and services they need.

Debbie Wasserman Schultz

Debbie Wasserman Schultz has finally agreed to debate her Democratic party challenger, Tim Canova. 

Canova, however, hasn’t said if he will participate, in part because it would only last fifteen minutes.

“The voters of my district deserve better than a mere 15 minutes of discussion on the issues,” Canova told the South Florida Sun-Sentinel. “Does Debbie Wasserman Schultz even believe in democracy?”

Her campaign issued a short statement Wednesday that she has accepted an invitation to debate on WFOR’s Facing South Florida public affairs program with Jim DeFede at 8:30 a.m. Sunday morning.

“I look forward to a thoughtful conversation and robust debate that addresses the issues important to the people of Florida’s 23rd Congressional district,” said Wasserman Schultz.

Wasserman Schultz announced last Thursday she would engage in at least one debate with Canova, a professor of Law and Public Finance at Nova Southeastern University. It comes less than three weeks before the Aug. 30 primary. The winner is expected to easily win the Democratic-friendly district in November.

Wasserman Schultz has held the CD 23 seat for the past 12 years, being elected in 2004 after a stint in the Florida Legislature. She resigned last month as chair of the Democratic National Committee, days after the release of 19,000 leaked emails from WikiLeaks, which showed top members of the DNC working to boost Hillary Clinton‘s presidential bid.

Earlier this week, Canova filed a complaint with the Federal Elections Commission against Wasserman Schultz, asserting she illegally utilized the resources of the Democratic National Committee to undermine his campaign.

On Tuesday Canova’s most famous ally, Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, sent out a fundraising email in support of Canova. “This race is very important for Our Revolution,” Sanders wrote. “If we can win this tough fight in Florida, it will send a clear message about the power of our grassroots movement that will send shockwaves through the political and media establishments.”

There has been very little polling about the primary. Ten days ago, Canova released an internal poll that showed him trailing the incumbent by eight percentage points, 46 percent to 38 percent.

Mitch Perry

Mitch Perry has been a reporter with Extensive Enterprises since November of 2014. Previously, he served five years as political editor of the alternative newsweekly Creative Loafing. Mitch also was assistant news director with WMNF 88.5 FM in Tampa from 2000-2009, and currently hosts MidPoint, a weekly talk show, on WMNF on Thursday afternoons. He began his reporting career at KPFA radio in Berkeley and is a San Francisco native who has lived in Tampa since 2000. Mitch can be reached at [email protected].


8 comments

  • moda

    August 10, 2016 at 6:57 pm

    08:30 on a Sunday morning? For 15 minutes?
    Who does she think she is kidding? Nevermind. Don’t answer that.

  • James

    August 10, 2016 at 9:00 pm

    You forgot to mention that it is only a 15 Min debate. She can’t even confront him longer as he will swipe her up. Let out ALL the facts.

  • sandra

    August 10, 2016 at 11:41 pm

    She is truly such a joke and such a really poor excuse for a human being. She needs to be arrested, indicted and thrown the Hell in jail.

  • Cbunny

    August 11, 2016 at 12:56 am

    Theyll get themediator on the dnc payroll to make it all about her and cut Tim short. You wait and see. Its the way the dnc rolls.

  • Amy

    August 11, 2016 at 1:27 am

    What a joke you are DWS. Canova has begged you for a debate for months. Lets see how she spins her corruption. Btw, someone ask her about Seth Rich. #DemExit

  • Debbie T

    August 11, 2016 at 3:21 am

    DWS doesn’t represent the People in Florida, not a good representation and not this Floridian anyway. Doesn’t seem that she wants this job or she wouldn’t disrespect us. We need a smart guy like Tim and he really wants the job.
    Schultz resigned as DNC Chair but went to work on Hilary’s campaign the very next day, tried to pass her resignation off as an apology but it was a promotion [for doing Clinton’s dirty work]. She represents a total disrespect to 13 million Democratic voters. She’d probably rather talk about her payday lending friends. I’m looking forward to Tim, in the debate and in her seat,

    • Mark H

      August 12, 2016 at 6:50 pm

      I’m not a Floridian, but when Bernie sent out his email requesting support for Canova, I gave. It’s time to let the DNC establishment know “It’s pattern of corruption is NOT ok!” I’m now supporting the Green Party and never looking back.

  • Erwyn

    August 11, 2016 at 11:43 pm

    Will never vote for her

Comments are closed.


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