NAACP criticizes decisions by Swanson, Newman to sidestep debate

A proposed debate this week among the candidates for Minnesota Attorney General has been cancelled because Democratic incumbent Lori Swanson and her Republican challenger, Scott Newman, did not respond.

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The St. Paul branch of the NAACP was originally set to host the event Thursday at the Hallie Q. Brown Center. Swanson and Newman are among six candidates on the ballot. The NAACP invited all six candidates to participate.

News that the debate would not take place came Monday during a news conference hosted by Green Party candidate Andy Dawkins and Independence Party candidate Brandan Borgos. Both Dawkins and Borgos criticized the lack of debates with Swanson.

In announcing that the debate would not take place, NAACP Johnny Howard said the candidates are missing an opportunity to address important concerns.

"It's bad. People are being shot every day," Howard said. "Police brutality is an issue. Housing discrimination is an issue. These are issues that should be addressed by our attorney general. So, it's disappointing."

Swanson, who is seeking a third term, said in an interview last week that one debate is "pretty customary" for the attorney general race. She is scheduled to participate with Newman and Borgos in a televised debate Saturday.