KENNEDY AGREES TO CLIMATE DEBATE

KENNEDY AGREES TO CLIMATE DEBATE

PROPOSES RECORD NUMBER OF SENATE PRIMARY DEBATES IN 2020

Boston, MA --- Nick Clemons, campaign manager for Kennedy for Massachusetts, released the following statement today:

"After productive debate negotiations earlier this week, Kennedy for Massachusetts today agreed to a senate primary debate on climate change. Additionally, we proposed that the climate debate be one in a series of six regional debates across the Commonwealth over the course of 2020. While we agree with the urgency of climate change, we also understand there are a myriad issues out there of critical importance to Massachusetts voters. To that end, we propose the remainder of the debates be issue-inclusive. We are proud of this proposal, which reflects the most robust debate schedule in recent primary history, and hopeful the other campaigns will work with us to reach an agreement.

"Given the timing of impeachment proceedings and the winter holidays, we believe these debates should start in early 2020 to ensure maximum voter impact and participation. To try and rush debates at a moment when voters' attention is elsewhere is a backhanded way to limit participation in these essential forums. We think it is critical that the climate debate in particular occur on the ground in a frontline community in Massachusetts most impacted by our failure to address climate change over the past several decades. We are committed to working with the other campaigns to find an appropriate host and location.

"We look forward to a high-profile climate event, a robust debate schedule across the state, and continued discussions with all campaigns as we approach the election year."