Dole has broadcasters to herself

ASHEVILLE -- Republican U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Dole had an audience of N.C. broadcasters to herself Monday after a plan for her to debate Democratic opponent Kay Hagan fell through.

Dole spoke about broadcast issues, including those involving the advent of digital TV. But most of her remarks were devoted to issues such as energy, taxes and housing.

Speaking to about 150 members of the N.C. Association of Broadcasters at the Grove Park Inn, she called for attacking high fuel prices through conservation and increasing oil supplies, in part by allowing offshore drilling.

On energy and other issues, Dole said, "We need to put politics aside."

Wade Hargrove, the group's longtime attorney, said broadcasters invited both Senate campaigns to debate and that Hagan's accepted while Dole's did not.

Dole had accepted an earlier invitation to speak at the broadcasters' convention.

"The U.S. government has direct regulatory authority for the broadcast industry," Hargrove said. "We would have invited her whether there was a campaign or not."

Brian Nick, Dole's chief of staff, said the debate proposal came up late.

"I heard a rumor that there may be a debate there," he said, "but never saw anything substantive. ... This was certainly not in the mix."

Hagan's spokeswoman, Colleen Flanagan, said: "It's not surprising to us in the least that Elizabeth Dole would choose not to participate in a statewide televised debate.

"There would no doubt be questions about high gas prices, record home foreclosure rates, college affordability and health care, none of which she's actually made any sort of real progress on."

Dole, who has had one forum with Hagan, said she's not avoiding debates.

"We're looking at all sorts of forums," she said. "It's just a matter of selectivity."

Hargrove said the association also invited the state's two major gubernatorial candidates, Republican Pat McCrory and Democrat Beverly Perdue, to debate this weekend. McCrory accepted but Perdue declined.

"They all make their strategic political judgments, and that's fine," Hargrove said. "We provide the opportunity."