Mark Cohen, an independent in the race for the U.S. House of Representatives, wants to debate incumbent Adrian Smith and Democrat Becky Stille.

In a letter to both campaigns in late August, Cohen said candidate debates in Nebraska have been rare in recent cycles, but Sen. Pete Ricketts and Dan Osborn have agreed to debate.

“Our race is different because there is a Democratic candidate as well as a Republican,” he said. “I believe it’s important to give voters in Nebraska’s Third District the opportunity to hear all three of us so they can make an informed and confident decision.”

Cohen’s letter, written in late August, asked Smith and Stille to respond by Friday, Sept. 4. The letter proposed a debate in September and suggested Kearney or North Platte as locations because they are centrally located in the district. Cohen wants to debate Smith and Stille before early voting ballots are mailed in late September.

If it appears a true debate will not take place before those ballots are mailed, he plans to move forward with a “debate” where his campaign would position a lectern for Rep. Smith and Ms. Stille, whether they participate or not.

“The sad reality,” said Cohen, “is that Third District residents have had little choice in recent cycles because the races have not been competitive. But our coalition is bringing needed competition to a seat one party has taken for granted for too long. Voters in Nebraska’s Third deserve to know their options, because this year they have more than two.”

Cohen said he would consider participating in debates sponsored by others but wants to make sure there is at least one debate before early voting ballots are mailed.

Cohen is a former Air Force Judge Advocate who came to Nebraska more than 40 years ago. He served as a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney for Nebraska and later practiced law in Omaha during the farm crisis of the late 1980s. He earned an advanced degree in agricultural law. He lives in Lemoyne and teaches karate in Ogallala.

For more information about Cohen, see: www.markfornebraska.org

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