Bent: DFO, I would agree that incumbent candidates should debate in the general elections. But in the case of a primary election, Otter and Crapo are the incumbent candidates for their party, the assumption is the party already understands the incumbent positions clearly. Like it or not, this is the party's election to decide the candidate they will put up in the general election. It is the job of a primary challenger to turn the party against the incumbent. Why then would the incumbent give any statewide face time, media attention or name recognition to a primary challenger who polls less that 10% of the vote?

Question: Would you like to see Butch Otter debate GOPrimary challengers Rex Rammell, Sharon Ullman, Tamara Wells, etc.?