Woratyla: UD silencing independence with debate exclusion
Ben Woratyla is a resident of Pike Creek.
Today, I’m not proud to be a Blue Hen. Delawareans will have three options on the ballot when they cast their votes for U.S. senator Nov. 5, yet only two are allowed on stage today during the “Delaware Debates” event hosted by the University of Delaware.
The independent nominee, Dr. Mike Katz, is being unjustly silenced by being excluded from participation in the debate. “Dr. Mike,” as he is commonly referred to around the First State, is a former pediatric critical care anesthesiologist at Nemours Children’s Health, a former Delaware state senator and a successful business owner. He has garnered immense support statewide from Delawareans who are frustrated by the dysfunction in both parties, our broken health care system and the corrupting influence of money over our government and elections.
Unlike typical federal politicians who are beholden to the big donors, corporate money and special interests that fund their campaigns, Dr. Mike provides a breath of fresh air — not only because of his genuine spirit, impressive qualifications and broad expertise but also because his refusal to accept financial donations for his campaign demonstrates his sincerity to fight for us in the U.S. Senate and rid the influence of money from our political system.
The “Criterion for Candidate Inclusion” for the debate, publicly available online, is systematically structured to make it easy for Democrats and Republicans to qualify, and incredibly difficult for anyone else — especially someone who does not spend time fundraising for financial donations.
One such criterion for inclusion asks candidates to report “at least 2 campaign contributions per 1,000 residents of the constituency of $20 or more.” Considering this an applicable criterion for this situation is corrupt and absurd.
Other listed criteria overtly favor career politicians of the two major parties, such as being the nominee of a party that received a minimum vote percentage in the prior gubernatorial, presidential or Senate elections.
The criterion regarding the “public opinion survey by an experienced pollster” is asking for a poll that does not exist. The university’s own poll does not even meet the margin-of-error requirements. It is a small sample size (383), has a “cooperation rate” of only 39.2% and states that “statistical results are weighted,” using metrics such as “2020 presidential vote choice” — an election that had no serious independent contender.
Regardless of political affiliation, voters should have access to hear from all candidates on the ballot and be aware of all their options. Regardless of political affiliation, Americans feel the pain of having their voices unjustly silenced.
Voters can watch Dr. Mike’s campaign videos and learn more by visiting the “Dr. Mike Katz Independent Candidate for US Senate” Facebook page and his website, drmikekatz.com.
Reader reactions, pro or con, are welcomed at civiltalk@iniusa.org.
