Democratic contender challenges Congressman Joe Wilson to debates ahead of election
Democrat Adair Ford Boroughs challenged Republican U.S. Rep. Joe Wilson to three debates ahead of the November election, where the two will compete for the chance to represent the state’s 2nd Congressional District.
Boroughs, who issued the challenge in a letter to Wilson’s campaign, also pushed the Springdale incumbent
to participate in a televised town hall.
“You often refer to this seat as ‘the people’s seat,’” Boroughs wrote. “Therefore, I think we can both agree that the people of the Second District deserve the opportunity to make an informed decision and to hear from both candidates on the issues facing our District today.”
Boroughs proposed that the events be televised and livestreamed at a time “accessible to the hardworking families in our district.” She added that there shouldn’t be an live audience due to concerns about spreading the coronavirus.
A spokesman for Wilson’s campaign said the congressman is open to participating.
“The congressman is happy to engage in public forums,” campaign consultant Mark Knoop said. “He always believe the seat belongs to the people of the district.”
The 2nd District includes parts of Lexington, Aiken, Barnwell and Orangeburg counties. It also encompasses part of Richland County, including Forest Acres, Rosewood, Arcadia Lakes, Fort Jackson and Blythewood.
Wilson has represented the district in Congress since 2001. Before taking office, Wilson served in the South Carolina Senate, representing part of Lexington County.
Boroughs is a former U.S. Department of Justice attorney, and currently works at a nonprofit law firm that focuses on providing legal services to those who can’t afford private attorneys.
The race to claim the 2nd District seat in November has been tighter than races Wilson has faced in the past. Boroughs has out-fundraised the incumbent Republican thus far. While there hasn’t been reliable polling in the district, the nonpartisan Sabato Crystal Ball at the University of Virginia moved the race from “safe Republican” to “likely Republican.”
