Roberts invites rivals to rural debate

Rep. Rod Roberts has invited his fellow Republican gubernatorial candidates to take part in two debates in rural Iowa prior to the June 8 primary election.

Roberts propose a debate in his hometown of Carroll as well as an Eastern Iowa town with a population of 15,000 or less, as chosen by the campaigns for Bob Vander Plaats and former Gov. Terry Branstad.

“We cannot forget rural Iowa in the 2010 elections,” Roberts said. “By holding debates in smaller Iowa communities, the Republican gubernatorial candidates can send a message to rural Iowans that we are concerned about the issues that matter to them.

“Iowa's smaller communities face unique challenges, including affording educational opportunities to young people, maintaining a vibrant agricultural economy, and encouraging population growth,” Roberts said. “Folks living in rural Iowa deserve to know how the candidates compare on these issues.”

Roberts's invitation comes after he was invited last week by Vander Plaats to participate in Des Moines, Sioux City, Dubuque, and one city yet to be agreed upon by the candidates.

For more, visit

www.RobertsForGov.com.