NEWS

Thomas a no-show for NEBA debate

Decision disappoints opponent who wanted to discuss “dishonesty” in the campaign

Tallahassee Democrat

The Mary Thomas campaign went silent Tuesday morning. Shortly after tweeting the closing commercial of her congressional primary campaign, Thomas passed on a debate with the four other candidates seeking to succeed Rep. Gwen Graham, D-Tallahassee, to represent the 2nd Congressional District.

“I’m very surprised and shocked that a local candidate didn’t show up,” said Barney Bishop, president of the Network of Entrepreneurs and Business Advocates.

Bishop said the group received a phone call from the Thomas campaign about an hour before Thomas, Neal Dunn, Ken Sukhia, Walt Dartland and Steve Crapps were scheduled to debate at the Capital City Country Club.

Ted Thomas, a NEBA board member who scheduled the candidates’ appearance, said three weeks ago Thomas herself had personally committed to the debate. On Tuesday afternoon, a campaign spokesman said a scheduling mix-up resulted in the candidate being doubled booked. Thomas, who is not related to the candidate, said he was told the Tallahassee attorney was in Live Oak instead of Tallahassee.

Our opinion: A voter’s guide to the U.S. House, District 2, primaries

The decision disappointed Dunn. He had come armed with documents to illustrate what he said is a “mudslinging” and “untruthful” campaign being waged by Thomas.

“I thought we could bring the truth out here,” said Dunn.

“The mudslinging, the level of dishonesty, I know politics is a contact sport but until you experience it,” Dunn added, shaking his head. “I thought we could have a discussion of the issues.”

For weeks, Thomas and Dunn have been accusing each other of being closeted Charlie Crist supporters. The former Republican governor turned Democrat is depicted in both campaigns' commercials and mailers as a shadowy figure representing everything the candidate opposes. Depending on which campaign is speaking, their opponent either embraced Crist's proposals to deal with the consequences of climate change or to provide health care to the working poor.

Thomas has made an issue of a Dunn contribution to a Crist campaign. Dunn noted the same year he gave money to then-Republican Attorney General Crist so did Donald Trump, who both he and Thomas endorsed.

Accusations mark opening salvos of 2nd District race

Dunn, who tells voters he wants to free the economy from government regulations, has highlighted Thomas’ work in Crist’s administration. Crist’s climate policies included lawsuits against businesses to reduce greenhouse gases.

Ken Sukhia, the third Republican running in the race, has focused his campaign mostly on his record as a U.S. Attorney and involvement in the pro-life movement.

“I did fight terrorism, I fought Obamacare, I fought for school choice, I fought for the unborn,” Sukhia told the nearly 150 people attending the NEBA debate. He promised to continue fighting in Washington.

Both Sukhia and Dunn pledged to do away with Obamacare and lift regulations holding back economic growth.

Democratic candidate Dartland reminded the audience regulations are designed to protect people and Obamacare was created because too many people were without access to health care. Crapps, also a Democrat, said Obamacare either needed to be fixed and made affordable or replaced. The Live Oak tree farmer was silent on the issue of regulations.

Dunn won the straw poll conducted after the debate. Sukhia finished second, Dartland third, Thomas fourth and Crapps fifth.

The 2nd congressional district covers 19 counties and is considered a safe Republican seat.

“A Democrat winning this district is as likely as me beating Usain Bolt for the gold,” said Matthew Isbell, a political data consultant aligned with Democratic candidates.

Complete coverage of the U.S. House District 2 primary

Reporter James Call can be reached at jcall@tallahassee.com. Follow on Twitter @CallTallahassee.