Rep. Burgess Owens, R-Utah, greets supporters at an occasion for candidates within the GOP major election on the Awaken Occasion Middle in South Jordan on Tuesday, June 28, 2022. Will Owens take part in Wednesday’s Utah Debate Fee occasion? Spenser Heaps, Deseret Information
Fourth District congressional candidate Jake Hunsaker solutions questions subsequent to an empty podium throughout a GOP major debate in a KSL studio in Salt Lake Metropolis on Wednesday, June 1, 2022. Hunsaker’s opponent, Rep. Burgess Owens, R-Utah, declined to take part within the debate sponsored by the Utah Debate Fee. Rick Egan
Republican Rep. Burgess Owens may be a no-show for the one scheduled debate in Utah’s 4th Congressional District race, a sample he set in the course of the major election.
A day earlier than the scheduled occasion, the Utah Debate Fee put out an announcement saying Owens has not confirmed that he'll participate within the debate on the College of Utah on Wednesday night time.
The fee is “nonetheless planning on full attendance on the 4th Congressional District debate, and is wanting ahead to significant dialogue with the candidates that do take part,” in accordance with government director Erik Nielsen.
Owens’ marketing campaign didn't instantly reply to questions on whether or not the congressman would take part.
Fourth District congressional candidate Jake Hunsaker solutions questions subsequent to an empty podium throughout a GOP major debate in a KSL studio in Salt Lake Metropolis on Wednesday, June 1, 2022. Hunsaker’s opponent, Rep. Burgess Owens, R-Utah, declined to take part within the debate sponsored by the Utah Debate Fee.
Rick Egan
Owens skipped the Utah Debate Fee debate in the course of the major election after state GOP Chairman Carson Jorgensen suggested Republican candidates to not take part. He additionally didn't agree to participate in a Utah Republican Social gathering debate in Might. The Owens marketing campaign mentioned on the time that it was in search of different dates earlier than the first in June however that didn’t materialize.
Democrat Darlene McDonald and United Utah Social gathering candidate January Walker ripped Owens on Tuesday. Each would seem on the talk stage with out him ought to he not present up. Salt Lake Tribune government editor Lauren Gustus would be the moderator.
McDonald mentioned in a tweet that Owens is “fearful of being held accountable, terrified of getting to be in entrance of Darlene, and he’s fearful of his constituents. Burgess Owens we nonetheless encourage you to indicate up.”
@BurgessOwens is fearful of being held accountable, terrified of getting to be in entrance of Darlene, and he’s fearful of his constituents.
— Darlene McDonald (@VoteDarlene) October 11, 2022
Burgess Owens we nonetheless encourage you to indicate up. #showup#debate#representationmatters#vote#votedarlene#utah#utpol#ut04#accountablepic.twitter.com/UN7IzXDQs7
The McDonald marketing campaign additionally issued an announcement encouraging the first-term congressman to “rethink this cowardly conduct and do the honorable factor by being held accountable to these constituents he purports to characterize as is printed in his duties within the Structure of the US.”
Walker mentioned in a tweet that “actual males know learn how to debate greater than they know learn how to use a gun,” apparently referring to a remark Owens made in a speech final yr that “actual males” know learn how to use a gun as they do an iPhone.
“Refusing to go earlier than constituents is an absolute manifestation of your corruption & incompetency for the job,” Walker continued within the tweet. “You’ll remorse not becoming a member of us on stage after I’m achieved.”
Dude brah @RepBurgessOwens don’t overlook to clarify to Juab that you just’re too cowardly to face #UT04 and debate. 👍🏼
— January Walker | UT04 US Congress Candidate (@UtahPolitician) October 11, 2022
McDonald additionally despatched out a bingo card for voters as they watch the talk on native TV stations Wednesday. It consists of areas to mark for phrases and phrases Owens would possibly use equivalent to “coming on your weapons,” “Marxist” and “CRT.” The middle sq. learn, “Burgess Owens’ no-show.”