Readers Debate Fotsch's Stand on League Debates

Roseville Patch readers have been engaged in a lively debate over state legislative candidate Mark Fotsch's decision last week not participate in any debates held by the League of Women Voters this fall because he feels the organization "is no longer non-partisan." 

Some readers back Fotsch's stand. The Roseville Republican, who is running for state House District 66A, contended the League's positions against the Marriage amendment and the Voter ID measure put it in sync with the state Democratic Party's platform.

But other readers said they think Fotsch is off the mark and missing an opportunitiy to publicize his candidacy (to see a complete Patch story on this issue.)

Here is a sampling of some of the readers' reaction:

John Kysylyczyn (former Roseville mayor): I have supported the League candidate forums in the past and have encouraged candidates to participate. I have participated in them myself.

Over the last 15 years, in my opinion, there has been a shift in this organization to one that is more partisan. I have to agree with Mr. Fotsch's position. These recent constitutional amendments, and the League's decision to not only take a stand, but to actually sue in court, has moved this organization into partisan political activity.

I would have to say that this is the straw that broke the camels back and I applaud Mr. Fotsch for his position

John Lutter: No, candidate Fotch's comments are not spot on. They represent partisan thinking - the same thinking as the Republican Party. The League of Women's Voters simply does not hew to the Republican Party line. That doesn't make them partisan.

Duane: It seems the League wants to hide behind the skirt of non-partisan and then fight for partisan issues. The two Constitutional Amendments were seen as Partisan and the League has taken a partisan side. Sorry but if it swims like a duck, quacks like a duck and looks like a duck, its a partisan. The league just needs to come out and say they are for the DFL and Liberalism.

Roger B Hess Jr.: I  have no opinion on the League, but it doesn't help Mr. Fotsch's campaign if he only "preaches to the choir". If he is confident in his stand on issues, then he should debate/speak in front of groups that do not currently hold his views, explain his positions, and sway those people/groups to his way of thinking. If he can not do this during a campaign, then he won't get anything done at the Legislature if he were elected. He needs to prove his skills in the lion's den!

Shari Dion: I appreciate Mr. Fotsch’s willingness to serve. Naturally, I am interested in learning more about how well he understands important issues.

His shallow comments regarding Parents United for Public Schools, LWVMN, and the two proposed amendments concern me. Should he ever get elected I can only hope that he would seek and achieve a much deeper understanding of the issues and that he would expand his beliefs to include the possibility that organizations and individuals can have similar positions on matters without being exclusively aligned with each other.

So what do you think? Is Fotsch right to abstain from any League debate? Or is he being shortsighted? Take our poll and tell us what you think.

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