House District 28 candidate Chris Erwin still won’t say whether he’ll debate fellow Republican Dan Gasaway ahead of next month’s special primary election. Last weekend, Gasaway publicly challenged Erwin to a series of debates prior to the April 9 vote.
Erwin tells Now Habersham he’d “like nothing more” than to take advantage of opportunities to talk to voters but he must consult with attorneys because of a pending legal appeal. “I have a duty to the case and the three Counties to check with them and my legal representation to determine the best way to proceed,” he says.
Erwin did not say when he’ll make a decision.
Gasaway is challenging Erwin to a debate in every county in the district before early voting begins on March 18. “Erwin refused to participate in forums in the fall. Because the redo elections have become such a big issue, I believe the citizens deserve to hear from the candidates,” he says.
Legal limbo
Erwin and Gasaway are vying for a seat in the State House that’s been in legal limbo since last May. A superior court judge threw out the results of two previous House District 28 GOP primaries due to voting issues in Habersham County.
Erwin is appealing the court’s most recent ruling to the State Supreme Court. The election boards of Habersham, Stephens, and Banks counties are also appealing since they were listed as defendants in the lawsuit. The appeal is on the court calendar for May. In the meantime, both candidates are moving forward with their campaigns.
Absentee ballots are now available. Early Voting begins on March 18.
READ HD 28 candidates’ qualifications and issues
This article has been updated with responses from both candidates regarding the proposed debates
