ILSen: Why is Jim Oberweis ducking debates with Doug Truax?

Last night there was a debate between the four Republican gubernatorial candidates. In the US Senate race, political gadfly Jim Oberweis has been ducking debate opportunities.

From a Truax press release:

Doug Truax challenged his opponent in the GOP primary for U.S. Senate to stop ducking media-covered debates and forums.

Jim Oberweis has dodged all joint appearances covered live by the news media. He has turned down or failed to answer invitations to appear with Truax on WGN AM 720, WLS AM 890 and WTTW-Chicago Tonight television.

"Someone who wants to be U.S. Senator can't be afraid to debate his opponent," said Truax, a West Point and Army Ranger school grad, Army veteran and successful businessman. "Jim Oberweis is trying to win the nomination solely on his past, failed name identification. That shows a lack of respect for Republican voters."

When Truax challenged Oberweis at a joint appearance before the Chicago Tribune editorial board Feb. 10, Oberweis denied he was ducking debates. However, since then he has made no attempt to confirm invitations and he remains uncommitted to any media appearances with Truax.

"Jim Oberweis says he's learned from past campaign mistakes but it looks like he's the same old Jim Oberweis — disdainful to voters and seeking to buy his legitimacy," Truax added. "We need something better if we want to turn around Illinois and America."

Truax has won 11 of 13 endorsements from GOP organizations where both candidates personally appeared before them, gave presentations and answered questions.

What is Oberweis afraid of?

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