Democrat issues debate challenge in House race

Williams, Meyer are running in FD-based district

Democrat Kris Williams has challenged Republican state Rep. Ann Meyer to a series of three debates before the Nov. 3 general election.

"I'm not a politician," Williams said in a written statement. "I don't have a script. I'll show up anywhere in this county and answer any question anybody asks me."

"All I'm asking is that she do the same," he added. "That's not a big ask. That's the job."

Meyer replied by saying she stands by her record of serving her House district for the past eight years and added that she looks forward to debating Williams in an October forum sponsored by the Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance.

"I am always listening to my constituents," Meyer said Tuesday evening. "I have listened to my constituents and I have brought legislation forward and I have been successful in getting that legislation signed by the governor."

Meyer and Wiliams are seeking to represent House District 8, which includes Fort Dodge and eastern Webster County.

Meyer is seeking her fifth term. Williams is making his first run for public office.

Williams said he sent a letter to Meyer's campaign proposing three debates. One of those debates would be focused on health care, one would be focused on the cost of living and property taxes, while the third would be an open forum in which people submitted questions.

Williams asked Meyer to respond to the debate challenge by July 31.

In Williams' statement, the proposed debates are described as "moderated by local press." The Messenger was not contacted about moderating any debates.