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| By G. Michael Dobbs Managing Editor SPRINGFIELD One of the candidates vying for the state representative seat for the 11th Hampden District has invited her two opponents to a debate, but is still looking for civic groups or individuals to help host the event. Chelan Brown issued the invitation on Thursday to fellow challenger Lorenzo Gaines and incumbent Benjamin Swan to appear a debate at 6:30 p.m. on Sept. 10 at the Aquarius Social Club on State Street. Brown told Reminder Publications that she was hoping that one of the neighborhood councils in the district would have offered to host a debate, but so far no organization has stepped forward. She said the Democratic City Committee had offered to set up a forum in July, but it didn't happen. The race among the three Democrats will be determined by the primary election on Sept. 16. Brown said her grassroots campaign has heard from many residents in the district that they want a forum or debate at which all three candidates would appear and speak abut the issues. She said she doesn't know why some group hasn't stepped forward so far. "I feel it is important that the voters be allowed to hear the platforms and ideas of all the candidates in order to make a well informed decision on September 16, 2008," she said. Any interested neutral party should call Brown at 363-3919. |