THOMASVILLE — Mike Keown has challenged Dr. Dean Burke to debate the issues in the state Senate race for District 11.

"This is a campaign for the people, and I am committed to making myself available to the voters of District 11. I hope Dr. Burke will join me," Keown said in a campaign release today.

 

Burke did not respond to repeated Thomas County Republican Party requests to participate in a debate this week. Times-Enterprise managing editor Mark Lastinger was set to be the moderator.

Keown accepted the invitation but Burke never responded.

 

According to reports from the Keown campaign, Burke has also not responded to groups in Grady and Seminole counties that want to conduct a debate.

"If Dr. Burke is unwilling to debate the very serious issues our state faces, then I will make myself available to the voters through a series of town hall meetings across this district," Keown said.

 

If Burke does not accept this challenge by 2 p.m. today, Keown will continue plans for an eight-county town hall tour.