Case wants debate deal kept out in the open

U.S. Sen. Dan Akaka and U.S. Rep. Ed Case are having trouble coming to terms for their Aug. 31 debate, sponsored by AARP.

Case, who has made Akaka's reluctance to debate a major part of his campaign to unseat the senator in the Democratic primary, says he wanted the debate-format negotiations with AARP conducted publicly.

After declining to accept any debates for several months, Akaka said this week that he would participate in one televised debate with Case.

When neither Akaka nor AARP agreed to Case's request for open negotiations, Case said yesterday he would conduct all the discussions in writing so he could make the record public.

Barbara Kim Stanton, AARP state director, said the national organization has guidelines for political debates, and she expects both candidates to follow those rules.

Akaka's campaign, meanwhile, complained about Case declining to join the negotiations in person.

"We were ready to begin negotiations in earnest, and no one from the Case organization showed up," said Elisa Yadao, Akaka's campaign spokeswoman.

Case responded, "Until Sen. Akaka agrees to open up the negotiations, we will negotiate in writing."