WEST PALM BEACH, FLORIDA — Democrat incumbent Lois Frankel refuses to debate Dan Franzese, her Republican opponent in Florida’s District 22 race for U.S. Congress.
After inviting Frankel to three public debates, allowing Frankel to set the time and locations, Franzese says neither Frankel nor her campaign has responded. He claims that Frankel is “missing in action” in the district and is hiding from her constituents.
“Our nation is at a critical moment in its history, and the voters of our district are hurting. I think it is important to come together and debate, so the people have a better understanding of what each of us stands for and how we intend to help them through these difficult times,” Franzese asked Frankel in a letter.
“Will you agree to join me in debating the issues? I am open to any date, any time, and any location. Let’s appear before the people and let them decide who will serve them best in Congress,” Franzese wrote.
CAREER POLITICS
A career politician, Frankel is out of touch with voters, according to Franzese. As reported by the Florida Standard, Franzese spoke with thousands of constituents in District 22 who are concerned over the current economy, high inflation, and illegal immigration.
Frankel, a former mayor of the City of West Palm Beach, has been embroiled in allegations of corruption. The Florida Standard obtained documents from a Grand Jury report in 2007, which investigated a “pay-to-play” approach to real estate development. Developers who donated between $5,000 and $21,000 to Frankel allegedly received priority development projects in the City.
In 2011, the National Legal and Policy Center filed a complaint with the FEC against Frankel. The center alleged that she failed to disclose campaign expenditures to make her campaign appear more successful.
At least 20 federal lawmakers, including Frankel, hold stock in Raytheon Technologies and Lockheed Martin. According to a Business Insider analysis of federal records, both companies manufacture weapons that have been sent to Ukraine. Additionally, stock in both companies has significantly risen since Russia invaded Ukraine.
RECENT DEMOCRATIC CANCELLATIONS
Three other Democratic candidates in Palm Beach County have backed out of public forums. Lori Berman for State Senate, District 26; Katherine Waldron for State Representative, District 93; and Michelle Oyola for Palm Beach County Commission, District 6, have all recently canceled their commitments, previously confirmed.
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