NEW: LeBeau Calls on Rep. Binienda to Debate in Leicester

Monday, October 15, 2012

GoLocalWorcester Politics Team

Republican challenger Bill LeBeau called on his opponent and long-time 17th Worcester District State Representative John Binienda to participate in a public debate ahead of next month's election.

Members of the LeBeau campaign said that they have made several requests to Binienda's campaign for a debate in recent months, but their requests have gone unaswered.

“It is becoming clear John Binienda does not want to be challenged about his record over the past twenty six years in the Statehouse," said Mark LaBombard, LeBeau's campaign manager.

"It looks like he is going to rely on his name recognition and negative attacks against the first challenger he's faced in twelve years, in order to get reelected."

Binienda, who currently serves as Chairman of the Rules Committee on Beacon Hill, has previously stated that he will run on his record of accomplishments, which include seriving as Chairman of the Revenue Committee for four years and as Chairman of the Energy Committee for eight years prior to that.

The Representative recently received the endorsement of the Massachusetts & Northern New England Laborers’ District Council of the Laborers’ International Union of North America, AFL-CIO in his reelection effort.

Binienda also received endorsements from the Massachusetts Correction Officers Federated Union, which previously named him "Legislator of the Year," as well as the Massachusetts Nurses Association and the Massachusetts Teachers Association.

LeBeau, a truck driver and former police officer, said he entered the 17th District race to give voters a choice this November, and has publicly statedhis desire to have conversations with Binienda about issues such as jobs, taxes, public safety and local aid on several occassions.

The Republican said that a number of constituents he spoke with had questions on past votes taken by Binienda.

"I believe the best way to for them to get those answers is for we as candidates to participate in debates," LeBeau said.

"For my part, I am willing to debate with Representative Binienda and I hope he changes his mind. We both owe it to the voters in our district. They deserve to have an informed choice in November.”

Representatives from the Binienda campaign did not immediately return a call for comment.