WESTPORT–A debate between the candidates for Connecticut’s 26th State Senate District planned Tuesday has been canceled because Republican hopeful Alma Sarelli told organizers she would not participate, the League of Women Voters of Westport (LWV) announced today with Sustainable Westport and Earthplace.
Democrat Sam Nestor had confirmed that she would participate in the debate organized by the three organizations, the LWV said in its announcement.
“After careful consideration and deliberation, the organizations have decided to cancel the debate following notification from the campaign of the Republican candidate that she will not participate, creating an “empty chair” situation,” the announcement said.
League of Women Voters debate guidelines require at least two candidates on a ballot to participate, the organizations said.
“After considering the circumstances and the League’s long-standing practices for conducting fair and nonpartisan candidate debates, the planning committee determined that cancellation was the appropriate course of action,” the announcement said.
Nestor, who is Weston’s first selectwoman and Sarelli, a member of Westport’s Representative Town Meeting District 6, are vying in the Nov. 3 election for the seat now held by Ceci Maher, who is not running for re-election.
Sarelli sat for the LWV’s debate in 2022, when she ran against Jonathan Steinberg for the 136th State Representative District. Steinberg won that race, 7,294 votes to 3,276.
The LWV said the organizations began communicating in June with candidates for the 26th State Senate District and the 136th and 143rd State Representative Districts to organize debates. These included several communications to candidates since July, including a save-the-date notice, follow-up reminders, formal invitations and additional information The organizations have dedicated significant volunteer time and organizational resources to planning events consistent with the League’s nonpartisan guidelines.
“The shared objective has been to provide voters with meaningful opportunities to hear directly from candidates and to understand their positions on important issues to enable them to make informed decisions in the November election,” the announcement said.
Appalling behavior by Alma Sarelli, yet very much on brand. Her website touts “Honesty / Integrity / Character.” Chickening out of a debate (after accepting the invitation) seems like none of those things.
When will Westport get a real Republican Party with actual human candidates who have functioning spines and who aren’t afraid of the deep end of the pool?
What a waste of the League of Women Voters’ time. Is any apology or explanation forthcoming?
Can there be an evening-gown competition instead?
Nicely put, Tom.