Overview:
Republican Christy Peterson calls Democrat Melat Kiros “an antisemitic, DSA, communist,” and refuses to debate her for a congressional seat.
Republican congressional candidate Christy Peterson says she will not debate Democratic nominee Melat Kiros to represent Colorado’s 1st Congressional District.
“I’m not going to debate her,” Peterson told attendees of a Republican meeting at Lakewood Vineyard Church on Sept. 10.
Peterson is the Republican nominee for Colorado’s 1st Congressional District. Kiros became the Democratic nominee after defeating longtime U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette and Wanda James in the June 30 primary. The Kiros and Peterson are among the five candidates competing in the Nov. 3 general election.
During the meeting, Peterson discussed her campaign and described herself as an “America First patriot.”
“I am an America First patriot — low taxes, limited government, peace through strength, common sense — all that good stuff,” Peterson said.
Kiros declined to comment when reached out to by Bucket List Community News about Peterson’s remarks.
Peterson’s answer prompted questions from some people in the room, who encouraged her to consider debating and suggested she could receive coaching or preparation beforehand.
“Because at some point we gotta put the Communist up there on the podium and listen to the comrade stuff,” one attendee said.
Later, Denver Republican co-captain Dean Flanders returned to the subject. Peterson reiterated that she did not have any debates scheduled.
“I’ll be talking to you about that,” Flanders said. “We want to get real good name recognition for Christy, because if we can, I think she’s got a lot better chance than what I thought.”
When asked later to explain her refusal, Peterson said, “I’m focused on helping the people of my district and my beloved country. I have no interest to speak with an antisemitic, DSA, communist.”
The general election is Nov. 3. In addition to Peterson and Kiros, the ballot includes Libertarian Chad Humphrey, Unity Party candidate Christopher “Critter” Milton and unaffiliated candidate Shimon Blau.
