Massachusetts Congressman John Tierney has been under fire for months over allegations that his wife and in-laws were involved in an off-shore gambling ring. Tierney is facing challenges from Republican Richard Tisei and Libertarian Daniel Fishman.
A debate has been scheduled for October 26. Members of Tierney's campaign are willing to participate in the debate as long as Tierney's wife, Patrice, and her transgressions are kept out of the topics of the debate. Tisei disagreed with the request in a report, calling it, "a typical example of the arrogance that people are so upset about in Washington, D.C." CommonWealth Magazine, one of the organizers of the debate, agreed to the condition, lest Tierney back out. Some have found the demand to be puzzling.
The truth is: CommonWealth Magazine could have told Tierney to take a hike if he didn't like the idea of illegal activity being a topic of the debate. The debate could have taken place with Tisei and Fishman and without Tierney. Instead, the magazine told everyone it is perfectly okay for one person to dictate the terms for everyone else.
John Tierney has served eight terms representing the sixth district of Massachusetts. He has been re-elected by wide margins and his polularity among the electorate would make any politician green with envy. When a public official commits a wrong or is party to one, it is certainly within the scope of fair game and no one can tell people to leave it alone in a debate when credentials and credibility are being scrutinized.
John Tierney's record of serving his district is certainly a strong one. If his campaign wants to re-elect him, they can use that to their advantage. If they want to run away from an issue that could hinder his re-election, It will only give opponents more fodder and reasons to question John Tierney's ability.
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