Orswell Calls Chu Out For Debate No-Shows

The race for the newly-created 27th Congressional District, which encompasses Arcadia and 15 other Foothill cities from Pasadena to Upland, has officially heated up.

, D-El Monte, has repeatedly failed to show up at campaign events and dodged several debate invitations, sending representatives in her stead. 

This week, Orswell's campaign sent this open letter challenging Chu to face off with him in a debate:

"Last week, for the seventh time during the campaign, Rep. Judy Chu refused a request from her constituents to debate the issues so that they can make an informed vote on November 6th...

Our nation is at an important crossroads: never before have we faced such crushing levels of national debt and high-unemployment, fueled by self-serving career politicians, unions and special-interest groups. Accordingly, it is crucial that voters have all the information and facts that they need to cast an informed vote. Debates and open discussions are essential mechanisms to ensure that the electorate can vote and ensure that our way of life is preserved."

For her part, Chu's campaign said the Congresswoman has "a very active" campaign.

"She has had 'meet-and-greets' throughout the cities of the district, such as Arcadia, Pasadena, South Pasadena, Claremont, and Monrovia," Chu spokeswoman Amelia Wang said via e-mail. "She has attended endorsement meetings, and received the endorsements of such groups as the Los Angeles County Peace Officers Association, the Sierra Club, the National Organization for Women, the California Teachers Association and the Armenian National Committee."

"Though she had conflicts in her schedule during certain debates, at which time she was scheduled to be in Washington DC, she sent surrogates to represent her views. Congressmember Judy Chu is truly looking forward to representing the 27th Congressional District."

Would you like to see Orswell and Chu face off, debate-style? Tell us in the comments.