VIDEO: Democratic challenger confronts Steve King, asks for debate

Political theater intruded into Iowa 5th District Congressman Steve King's town hall meeting Monday when Democratic Party opponent Matt Campbell showed up and challenged King to a debate.

Campbell, who said King has ignored repeated requests for a debate, walked in midway through the hourlong meeting and stood about 10 feet from King's podium. King finished answering the prior question about conducting an audit of the Federal Reserve System, then addressed Campbell, without naming him at any point in the exchange.

“There aren't going to be any ambushes or interruptions,” King said from the podium at Western Iowa Tech Community College before allowing Campbell to ask his question.

After Campbell pressed King to agree to a debate, the Republican from Kiron, Iowa, replied: “…My answer to that is that judging by the way you have conducted yourself you have not earned it.”

King went on to say that Campbell's press releases contain too many personal attacks.

“I have said this in the past and everybody in the district that's paid attention knows this: There needs to be a campaign that's run that addresses the issues,” King said.

Many people in the crowd applauded King's comment. After four minutes of more questions from Campbell and two others in the audience, the exchange was over and Campbell exited. Eight people, including the two who vocally supported the concept of a debate, followed Campbell out of the room.

Warren Baker, president of UFCW Local 1142, was sitting in the second row of a meeting with 80 people at Western Iowa Tech Community College, and said Campbell was right about the necessity of a debate.

King talked about the Campbell episode again after the meeting.

“I gave him his question, like everybody else,” King said.

Since winning election to the U.S. House in 2002, King has not debated a congressional opponent in the following four re-election bids.

King was asked after the meeting if debating a political opponent is indeed a vital part of the American campaign process, as Campbell contends. “I don't know where that rule would be written. I debate people every day,” King said.

King said he's gotten several missives from Campbell seeking a debate, which come registered mail, return-receipt requested.

“He has too many lawyers planning this strategy,” King said.