CONNELLY SPRINGS, NC – Aaron B. Scott for NC House releases the following statement, after learning our opponent has decided to avoid a democratic debate:

“Almost a week ago, I challenged my Democratic opponent to a debate on the issues affecting the 85th district. Today, I learned that she has decided the issues are not important,” said Aaron B. Scott, candidate for NC House. “Rather than focusing on the issues that really impact McDowell and Burke Counties, my opponent appears more concerned about raising money and making a name for herself. This is a slap in the face to every hard working Democrat who calls the 85th district home.”

Mr. Scott challenged his opponent, Beth Ostgaard, to a series of two debates surrounding the issues affecting the 85th district. As of now, the campaign has not officially received a response from Ms. Ostgaard. The people of the 85th district are concerned that Ms. Ostgaard is more focused on raising funds and making a name for herself – than focusing on the true responsibilities of the job as a member of the NC House of Representatives. She appears to have already declared herself the winner of the primary even before the people have had a chance to cast a ballot.

One instance is evident on the McDowell County Democratic Party website, where Ms. Ostgaard is listed as the only candidate running for this seat. Mr. Scott and his opponent filed for office on the same day. Particularly, McDowell Democrats promoting Ms. Ostgaard’s candidacy speaks truth to the power she thinks she has in the district. The truth is, if Ms. Ostgaard cannot debate a member of her own party on issues affecting her district, she cannot be an effective leader in Raleigh where debate is essential to getting work done.

Having managed two failed campaigns in the past, one would think Ms. Ostgaard would not repeat the same mistakes in her own. This campaign challenges Ms. Ostgaard to reconsider her position and let the people know her stand on the important issues. Women who have lost their jobs and families who are trying to figure out how to put food on the table, could care less about Ms. Ostgaard’s coffee and cheesecake socials. They want someone who is more concerned about offering solutions to make this district competitive and to get people back to work, than toting a membership to the National Rifle Association to score political points. This attempt is no different than Republican Congressman Patrick McHenry (NC-10) seeking to put the face of President Reagan on the $50 bill. Ms. Ostgaard has leaned so far to the right, in fact, that members of McHenry’s campaign staff are supporting her candidacy.

“Democrats don’t need to send our version of Mitch Gillespie to the NC House. Our district demands better and demands a change in the way things are done. It’s about time someone represent the people of this district, rather than the special interest. I am someone who can deliver that change,” Mr. Scott concluded.

For More Information:
Brandon Greeson
Communications Director
brandon@aaronbscott.com
Phone: (828) 291-1701

CONNELLY SPRINGS, NC – Aaron B. Scott, candidate for the 85th district of the NC House, has challenged his primary opponent to a debate.

“I feel that informing the voters of their potential candidates is a major part of showing our passion for democracy. It allows people to see the passion behind our intentions on running; it informs the voters of the potential we all hold,” Scott stated.

Scott calls for the debates to be held in a public setting so that voters of the 85th District understand the issues that the two candidates wish to bring. “I feel that this is something our founding fathers would be proud of. This is something that leaves memories in people’s minds when it comes to our district. I want them to walk away from a debate and understand what their candidates are running for,” he added.

In a letter that Scott sent to his opponent, he asks that one event is held in Burke, and the other in McDowell County. “Sadly, I feel that my portion of the district is forgotten when it comes to the election cycle. I am always for the underdog, and I am in full support of letting the people hear our cause,” he continued.

Scott’s campaign expects to announce some upcoming campaign events and encourages voters to check out the campaign website. Voters can also follow the campaign on Twitter @Scott4House or on Facebook.

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For More Information:
Brandon Greeson
Communications Director
brandon@aaronbscott.com
Phone: (828) 291-1701