In the 2010 Minnesota gubernatorial race, there were 26 debates between Mark Dayton, Tom Emmer and Tom Horner. The media was ecstatic over the unprecedented number of debates, ensuring that the public had their chance to get an in-depth review of the candidates' positions on the issues.

To date, the 2012 U.S. Senate race has had one debate between Kurt Bills and Amy Klobuchar, with only one more scheduled. The media is silent.

Kurt Bills has proposed a series of 12 townhall-style debates from now until election day. I realize that Sen. Klobuchar does not wish to speak to average voters who don't shell out thousands to fill her campaign coffers, as do the lobbyists, lawyers and bankers who support her, but don't the voters really deserve more?


JOHN KESSLER, ROSEMOUNT