Article: Arizona Debates

A scheduled debate between Senate candidates of the Seventeenth District on Wednesday evening at Arizona State University’s Memorial Union building turned into a Q-and-A session for Democrat David Schapira when his opponent, Republican Wendy Rogers, did not arrive.

Both David Schapira and Wendy Rogers are campaigning for the Seventeenth District’s Senate seat in the Legislature for the elections in November.  The debate on Wednesday was sponsored by Arizona State University and the State of Arizona Citizens Clean Elections Commission which are both non-partisan organizations. 

David Schapira began and ended the session by apologizing for the absence of his opponent.

“I know a lot of you came here tonight to hear what the differences and distinctions are between our values and our visions of the future of the state,” said Schapira.  “I really do genuinely apologize on their behalf.”

In a phone interview with the Republican Senate candidate of the Seventeenth District Wendy Rogers, she explained that Republicans are not obligated to participate in debates having to do with the Arizona Clean Elections Commission.  She said she would much rather go door to door and speak with as many voters within the Seventeenth District as possible.

Rogers explained how she loved to meet with the voters personally and have them be as frank as possible without the intimidation that a political debate may bring.

She adds that she has knocked on 10,000 doorsteps in the Seventeenth District’s precincts while traveling on bike and plans on finishing the remaining seven.  Rogers said it is “a joy and honor” to speak with the people in personal setting and allowing them to express their views to her.

In an interview after the debate, Senate candidate David Schapira said that, to his knowing, his opponent did not plan on attending as she did not RSVP.  He said that Rogers believes she can win an election on money and campaign contributions.

“When it comes down to it I don’t think money can buy an election in Arizona,” said David Schapira.

During the debate, Schapira joked with the moderator at times about the absence of his opponent.

Wendy Rogers said she will continue and “knock on another thousand doors” to take in the ideas of the people out and “in the trenches.”

During the debate, Schapira explained his views on bettering education and having the Federal Government aid Arizona by setting up efficient border policies. 

In the article ‘6 candidates scheduled for Wednesday Tempe debate’ by Dianna M. Náñez  in the Arizona Republic, Schapira, Roger, and four of the Seventeenth District’s House candidates were expected to attend.

The elections will take place on Nov 2.  Early elections will take place on Oct 7.

The debate was recorded and made available to watch on the Arizona Clean Elections Commission’s website.

Both candidates can be reached at their websites.  David Schapira can be reached at davidforaz.com and Wendy Rogers can be reached at wendyrogers.org.  Both websites offer their political platforms and more information regarding each candidate specifically.