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Kennedy skips Baton Rouge Senate forum
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BATON ROUGE- Republican John Kennedy was absent Monday from the Baton Rouge Press Club forum for U.S. Senate candidates. It's a move his rival Democrat Foster Campbell didn't let go unnoticed.
"Mr. Kennedy doesn't want to debate," said Campbell. "He really doesn't want me to call him out on everything he says."
During the runoff, the candidates couldn't agree on a number of debate opportunities. Now Campbell will attend some while Kennedy will skip them all.
The Republican's campaign did not return calls Monday requesting an interview.
Veteran political campaigner Roy Fletcher, who's representing Scott Angelle in his congressional bid, said Kennedy is smart to avoid the debates.
"The reason why John Kennedy is not doing the debate is because he is ahead in the election," said Fletcher. "He doesn't want to risk making some sort of gaffe."
The two candidates have fought it out through political advertisements. Kennedy presenting himself as fiscal conservative who will rein in government waste. Campbell framing himself as a populist who will defend voters from big business.
Polls have shown Campbell trailing his rival by a wide margin, something that hasn't phased the Democrat. "When I ran for Public Service Commissioner the odds were against me and they said I couldn't win. But I won because we out-worked everyone," he said.
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