Badham Quickly Turns Down Rosenberg’s Debate Challenge

Nathan Owen Rosenberg, who is challenging Rep. Robert E. Badham (R-Newport Beach) in the June 3 Republican primary, called Monday for a debate, but the idea was quickly squelched by Badham’s campaign organization.

Rosenberg’s brother and campaign manager, Harry Rosenberg, said that the challenge was issued through a telegram sent to Badham’s Washington office.

“The people of the 40th District deserve the opportunity to hear our positions and know our performance records on the issues of concern,” the telegram said.

But Bill Schreiber, an aide to the five-term congressman, said that Badham would not accept the challenge for a debate.

“We would absolutely not engage in anything like that,” Schreiber said.

He explained that Rosenberg, a Newport Beach management consultant, has often agreed with Badham’s position on issues and a debate would be unnecessary. Schreiber also said that Rosenberg wanted a debate to compare the two opponents’ “record of public service.”

“But we don’t feel there’s any comparison on their records since Mr. Rosenberg has never held public office,” Schreiber said. “Where’s the point for a debate?”