Congressman Jim Himes is running away from debates. Please sign this petition to help me urge Himes to debate.

I have asked Congressman Himes to debate me the same number of times as he debated incumbent Chris Shays when he first came into office. Himes adamantly demanded Shays for ten debates when he initially ran for congress in 2008 - and he got it. Mr. Himes should now honor my similar request now that he is the incumbent and I am the challenger. It is only fair.

Unfortunately, Mr. Himes does not want me to have a voice. I have asked him publicly, via e-mail, via phone, via certified mail. His campaign refuses to respond. Himes' strategy every election season is to offer his challenger a couple of perfunctory debates a few days before election, hoping it will be too late to have any impact. Well, this is not okay.

For the past 10 years, Himes has promoted policies that have hurt our district - both economically and socially. Jobs have left Fairfield county, residents are moving out and home prices are struggling. Healthcare has become unaffordable, educational outcomes have stagnated and our immigration system remains broken. Today, Himes continues to promote a socialist agenda while he does nothing about issues critical to our community.

In refusing to debate, he is clearly running from his record. I firmly believe that for our democracy to thrive, we need honest and respectful discussion. We offer two contrasting policy platforms for Connecticut’s 4th District. It is important for our voters to have an opportunity to hear and understand the differences between our two alternatives.

I have suggested focused debates to Mr. Himes on the ECONOMY: JOBS, TAXES & HOME PRICES, HEALTHCARE, EDUCATION, SCHOOL SAFETY, IMMIGRATION, ENERGY and ENVIRONMENT.

Mr. Himes continually preaches freedom of the press and freedom of information. Let's hold him to his own words. Let's hold him accountable.

Harry Arora, Republican Candidate for Connecticut's 4th Congressional District