|
Free Speech and Independent Candidates
By Joseph A. Zdonczyk, Wolcott
How can an independent candidate for Congress get his message out? As a Concerned Citizens candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives, running against Nancy Johnson and Jim Maloney in the 5th Congressional District, I find it an almost impossible task. Try calling "talk radio"—you're not allowed to speak. I’ve tried writing letters to the editor, but they are not published. Television time is available—if you've got the money. What's at stake here? The Constitution of the United States reads: "No person shall be a Representative who shall not have attained to the age of twenty-five years, and been seven years a citizen of the United States, and who shall not, when elected, be an inhabitant of that state in which he shall be chosen." It is more difficult to have your views heard as an independent candidate than to meet the requirements to serve when elected.
The Constitution further states: "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press …" In an election year, when representatives to Congress are selected by the electorate, it is critically important that the people have a clear view of the candidates who are on the ballot and what they stand for and are against.
In the case of a high-profile incumbent, getting media coverage is simple: pick up the phone or call a press conference. An independent candidate must grovel just to have his name mentioned—forget about having his issues discussed. A case in point: Several months ago I questioned poll officials at Quinnipiac College and at UConn about anticipated Congressional polls. At Quinnipiac I was told they were not, at that time, planning any polls for the 5th Congressional District. At UConn I questioned a lady who assured me that when the poll was to be taken my name would be included; it was not.
As another example, the AARP and WFSB Channel 3 are sponsoring debates. These are media-intensive events that will highlight the candidates' positions on issues of importance—war and peace, prescription drug coverage for seniors, homeland security, corporate manipulations such as the proposed tax evasion strategy of Stanley Works, campaign finance reform, etc. These are all issues of critical importance, not just to residents of the 5th District but to the nation and the world—and which I, as a candidate, am prepared to debate. Will my voice be heard? Not if AARP and Dick Ahles of Channel 3 can help it. When speaking to Mr. Ahles I mentioned that Mr. Maloney had promised, on numerous occasions and in many venues, that he would not participate in any debates unless I was included.
Two years ago, when I ran against Mr. Maloney and Mr. Neilson, I participated in five debates. In what appears to have been a Freudian slip, Mr. Ahles said, "We convinced him to change his mind." Then, quickly: "He changed his mind." Whether Mr. Ahles was the agent for changing Mr. Maloney's mind or not is not as important as the fact that a decision was made to exclude me from the debate, thereby denying the public its right to decide whether I am a preferable option or not; Channel 3 has decided that for the people of the 5th District. Mr. Maloney's about-face on his often stated insistence that I be a participant in any and all debates, with his resulting loss of credibility and personal integrity, is only slightly less irresponsible than WFSB’s decision to censor a certified candidate's views through the simple expediency of ordinary exclusion.
The AARP is a separate case. They have chosen to exclude from their forum a senior citizen who has particular views on Medicare, Social Security, and prescription drug coverage for seniors—all issues I am prepared to discuss. The prescription plan I have proposed is far superior to anything put on the table by Johnson or Maloney. In an event that was held at Heritage Village in Southbury, sponsored by the Senior Citizen Advocacy Club and attended by over 200 residents, my plan (may I say modestly) was greeted with enthusiasm and support. This proposal will not be considered at all at the AARP event.
The obstacles and frustrations I face as a candidate are serious in themselves, but more importantly they highlight the emptiness of the current system, which favors the wealthy and powerful and denies concerned citizens honest choices. Thank God for The Voice.
Contributions to my campaign may be made to: Concerned Citizen for Congress, PO Box 843, Watertown, CT 06795.
|
|
