Politics & Government
Lyons Cites Negative Campaigning In Refusing Debate
The incumbent state rep says he sees nothing to gain from meeting Tram Nguyen in a one-on-one debate.
ANDOVER, MA -- State. Rep. Jim Lyons (R-Andover) said he won't meet Democratic challenger Tram Nguyen in a one-on-one debate ahead of the Nov. 6 election., saying negative campaigning by his opponent suggest there is nothing to gain from such a face off. Lyons said Nguyen and her supporters have called him a "bigot" and crossed a line when discussing his religion and his pro-life stance on abortion.
"My opponent has made it clear we are polar opposites. I don't see any advantage of a debate or any reason to have a debate," Lyons told the Andover Townsman. Nguyen responded by telling the newspaper Lyons was performing a "disservice" to his constituents.
"As a state representative you need to be accountable to the people and accountable to people who disagree with you," she said. "It is a disservice to the voters not to be able to see the difference in where we stand on issues."
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Lyons has held the seat, which represents parts of Andover, North Andover, Boxford and Tewksbury, since 2010. The two candidates did, however, sit side-by-side at a forum held by the Andover League of Women Voters last week. Modeled after speed dating, the forum let voters ask the candidates questions. The forum presented the stark differences between the candidates on a number of different issues.
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Dave Copeland can be reached at dave.copeland@patch.com or by calling 617-433-7851. Follow him on Twitter (@CopeWrites) and Facebook (/copewrites).
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