Weinberg says Bucco refusal to debate undermines his seriousness as a leader

Senate Majority Leader Loretta Weinberg today sharply criticized State Sen. Anthony M. Bucco (R-Boonton) for refusing to debate his Democratic opponent next month’s special election to fill his late father’s unexpired term.

“This November it is imperative to elect leaders who represent and empower women,” Weinberg said.  “Senator Bucco’s negative record on women’s rights and lack of willingness to debate Rupande Mehta makes it clear that he is not a serious leader.”

The New Jersey Globe added a Senate debate nine days ago.  Mehta has accepted, and Bucco has not yet indicated that he would participate.  The Globe has been in contact with both campaigns.

“Rupande Mehta has spent her entire life advocating for women’s rights. She is ready to protect our core democratic values and is not afraid to go head to head with Senator Bucco,” said Weinberg.  “While candidates all over the country are debating, I don’t understand how someone appointed, not even elected, is refusing to debate.”

The Globe, which is also sponsoring debates in four closely-watched congressional races, has determined that debates will take place as long as one candidate accepts the invitation.

In the interest of fairness to the voters and the candidates, the Globe has set a hard deadline of Tuesday October 13 for Mr. Bucco to accept or reject the invitation to debate.

If Bucco does not participate in the 25th district State Senate debate, an empty chair will occupy the spot he would have occupied virtually.

New Jersey Globe debates have already occurred in two House races: the 7th district between Rep. Tom Malinowski (D-Ringoes) and Senate Minority Leader Thomas Kean, Jr. (R-Westfield) and the 3rd district between Rep. Andy Kim (D-Moorestown) and Republican David Richter.

Rep. Mikie Sherrill and her Republican challenger, former U.S. Senate Finance Committee tax counsel Rosemary Becchi, will face off in the New Jersey Globe 11th District Congressional Debate on Sunday, October 11 at 9 PM.

Two weeks later, the New Jersey Globe 5th District Congressional Debate will feature a match-up between Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-Wyckoff) and Republican Fran Pallotta.

Bucco was named to the Senate seat in October 2019, four weeks after his father, longtime State Sen. Anthony R. Bucco, died of a massive heart attack.  Anthony M. Bucco was re-elected to the State Assembly while serving in the Senate, but has not yet faced voters as a candidate for State Senator.

The winner of the special election will fill the remaining 14 months of the late senator’s term.