Yesterday I posted an email I sent to Blair Walsingham to request a debate, which she did respond to a couple of days later. Here is her reply.
Steve,
First, let me thank you for your earnest desire for change in America. While I don’t like to think that Republicans and Democrats are on opposing sides because I believe that we share more values than the media and partisan leadership has led us to believe, in the election here in the 1st District, given our current opponent, I think we would agree that she is positioning herself to run against everything that you and I are fighting for. You and I both want to see the 1st District thrive. It’s why I entered this race. There is nothing more important to me than lifting people up and pursuing policies that will make a difference in the day to day lives of my fellow Americans.
I am polling in several areas at twice the support and in other places more than Marty Olsen had when he ran in 2018, as high as 40% in Unicoi County in our pol and were not done counting!. My platform is drawing support from Democrats, Republicans and Libertarians as well as Progressives. I have a volunteer staff of over 200 individuals, and have the endorsement of national and local organizations, including former Presidential candidate Andrew Yang.
I read an article Majority60.com about you in which stated that you chose to run as an Independent because despite being a Democrat, you did not believe that a Democrat could win. The article also says that you assert that you will “unequivocally increase the Democratic majority in the House.” If you are, at heart a Democrat, then there is no reason you should oppose my candidacy. Had you run as a Democrat, you and I would have already debated, and the primary would have left one of us standing to debate Diana and win this.
The math is against us here in the 1st District. What we need to defeat Diana is a campaign that has structure, polling, volunteers on the ground, support from other candidates in the state and nationally, and money. I have all of that. You have not yet filed with the FEC which means you have yet to raise $5,000. I hope that someday, policies will be all it takes to win an election, and I have plans for democracy reform to address that issue. Right now, we need to come together. I respect your run for Congress, but if you are truly committed to supporting the Democratic policies of universal healthcare, freedom and financial security your campaign is not equipped to achieve your goals. I understand that you think a Democrat can’t win, but I have a real chance. It’s not about whether it’s you or me sitting in that seat. It’s about our duty and commitment to making the kind of difference the people of the 1st District need.
Would you prefer that we both lose, or that I win? Which means more to you? Are you running for yourself, or for policies? If you are running out of patriotic duty and belief that healthcare is of utmost importance, then I have to ask you to consider changing your current course. Diana Harshbarger will crush any hopes of fulfilling our shared goals. I’m asking you to work with me to ensure that all Americans get the coverage they need.
Put aside your personal interest and put the people first. I have participated in debates and fought for my nomination to represent the party that you say you will represent if elected. I have formed coalitions with like-minded candidates seeking to pave a road for American unity and focus on the values we share. I have spent countless hours reaching out to, and hosting conversations with community members who would, in any other year, be guaranteed to vote for the Republican nominee.
I would be happy to have you as a guest on my podcast for a conversation. I respect you. If neither of us win, Tennessee loses. We have both served our country before, and as fellow former service members, we know our continued commitment to service means putting our country before ourselves.
Together, you and I stand a chance of bringing about real change. Let’s talk. I hope you will consider putting your country first and supporting my campaign. I have all the building blocks and relationships in place to take Diana by surprise, but it would be a little easier if you joined my team.
With much respect,
Blair
423-xxx-xxxx
Steve Holder 