I read a recent newspaper article about a series of debates between the three Idaho candidates for the United States Senate. Larry LaRocco the Democrat and Rex Rammell the Independent want Jim Risch the Republican to join them in 10 debates across the state.

According to the article, LaRocco and Rammell think live debates with a format that allows the candidates to engage each other are crucial to helping voters understand where each other stands on important issues.

I agree. Risch, however, obviously does not. In the same article, his campaign called the plan for the debates a political ploy.

I disagree. I think Mr. Risch is avoiding the debates because he is afraid to publicly state his positions on important issues. He thinks he can win by simply being a Republican in Idaho. Mr. Risch thinks he can take the citizens of Idaho for granted and expects to get our votes without having to go out and earn them.

I ask you to prove him wrong. Research all three candidates and vote for the one that best represents you and your interests. By avoiding the debates and refusing to speak candidly with the citizens of Idaho, Mr. Risch is making the voting public work harder to do our do diligence.

My question to Mr. Risch is, if you connect so well with the citizens of Idaho, why are you afraid to debate your opponents?

• Bruce Jensen, Boise