More debates needed

Are George W. Bush and John Kerry ducking debates with other ballot-qualified presidential candidates?

If not, supporters of Bush and Kerry should urge their champions to show some intellectual integrity and courage in their convictions by participating in the more inclusive debates being sponsored by the Citizens' Debate Commission.

Using the criteria established by the non-partisan Citizens' Debate Commission, the only candidates invited would be those who register at more than 5 percent in national polls or register a majority in national polls asking eligible voters which candidates they would like to see included in the presidential debates. In 2000, only four candidates met either criterion.

Rob Latham

Draper