Headrick ready to debate, awaits word from Fleischmann

One month after voters determined their candidates for November's general election, no meeting between Rep. Chuck Fleischmann and Democratic challenger Mary Headrick has been arranged. 

Headrick, an acute care physician from Maynardville, told Nooga.com she had been in discussion with groups hoping to sponsor as many as six forums or debates between her and Fleischmann in the months leading up to the Nov. 6 election. Although the candidate said she did not think it would be feasible for both her and Fleischmann to attend all proposed events, Headrick has said she would prefer to debate the congressman three times. 

"I have not heard anything, and the groups who are doing these debates have not heard from Chuck Fleischmann's campaign folks," Headrick said. "So the ball's still in his park, and we're waiting."

Headrick said she had received invitations from groups in Chattanooga and Bradley County.

Since winning the Republican primary, Fleischmann has committed to debating Headrick at least once. Tyler Threadgill, spokesman for the Fleischmann campaign, said that the campaign had received invitations to participate in events with Headrick, but had not yet been able to provide any hosts with an answer on whether the congressman could participate.

"We've received a couple of offers that won't work with the congressman's schedule, and we're reviewing our options," Threadgill said. "But the congressman looks forward to debate before the November election."

Fleischmann and Headrick participated in only one event during the primary season, a forum on health care between candidates of both parties held at Erlanger Hospital.