Bornstein to step up pressure on Mack, demands debate

Julie Bornstein, the Democratic candidate for Congress in California's 45th district, has repeatedly requested, to no avail, an opportunity to debate U.S. Rep. Mary Bono Mack (R-Palm Springs). Starting Wednesday, Bornstein will try a new tactic as she looks to spark a grassroots movement among her supporters in hopes of pressuring Mack to confront her challenger.
 
"We'll be asking our supporters to start a phone calling, emailing and letter writing campaign to Mack's office," said Bornstein campaign manager Walter Ludwig, who said he’ll keep a running tally of the number of constituent requests the congresswoman ignores.
 
If Mack still refuses, Bornstein will resort to the tried and true method of debating an empty seat, or, in this case, a life-size cutout in an empty seat.
 
"We're going to have a life-size cutout of Mack in an evening gown sitting in an empty chair," Ludwig said.
 
The first opportunity for the gimmick will be Oct. 7 at a candidate forum in Rancho Mirage.
 
Ludwig said that if Mack does in fact agree to debate Bornstein, "Julie will handle her like a cat handles a mouse."

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