Tasini joined by Elaine Brower (speaking at mike), Mimi Evans (at left), and Missy Beattie whose family members fought or are currently fighting in Iraq, call on Senator Clinton to debate the war. more photos

If you missed the press conference, but want to hear news coverage, tune into the evening news on WNYC, RNN (Time Warner Channel 19), or NY1.

PRESS RELEASE:
FAMILIES OF IRAQ WAR SOLDIERS CALL ON CLINTON TO DEBATE TASINI

NEW YORK, NY – Democratic Senate candidate Jonathan Tasini was joined by families of U.S. soldiers at a press conference today on the steps of City Hall to call on Senator Clinton to agree to debate Tasini before the September 12 Democratic primary. Missy Beattie, Elaine Brower and Mimi Evans who spoke at the press conference all have family members who have fought or are currently fighting in the war in Iraq. Missy Beattie’s nephew was killed in the Iraq war. Mimi Evans has two sons who fought in Iraq and are now back safely in the U.S. Elaine Brower has a son who is currently fighting in Iraq.

“My nephew Lance Cpl. Chase Johnson Comley was deployed in March 2005,” said Ms. Beattie. “He called every week when he wasn’t in the field. My parents believe that Chase came to realize the truth of war. In his last call, he said he was counting the days. He had 73. He was home much sooner: killed August 6th by a Vehicle Borne IED, his face completely blown off. I want to see Senator Clinton come out and explain her role in sending my nephew to Iraq.”

The Tasini campaign sent a letter to Senator Clinton on August 2nd requesting that she agree to a series of debates including one that focused on the situation in the Middle East and the war in Iraq. To date, Senator Clinton has not responded to this letter, nor will she answer reporters’ questions about whether see will agree to a debate.

“How can Clinton continue to avoid discussion about her position on the Iraq war?” questioned Tasini. “Her refusal to debate is disrespectful not only to New York voters but to the democratic process.”