Ekstrom accepts Westlund’s invitation to treasurer debates, but that’s news to Alley

Bob Ekstrom, the Constitution Party’s candidate for state treasurer, has accepted an invitation from state Sen. Ben Westlund (D-Tumalo) to participate in 10 public appearances with the major party candidates. The offer came in the midst of negotiations about the debate schedule between Westlund and his Republican opponent for treasurer, Allen Alley (R-Lake Oswego). In May, PolitickerOR.com reported that Alley had challenged Westlund to a series of five debates in the treasurer’s race. Westlund responded by proposing a minimum of ten debates.

Stacey Dycus, Westlund’s spokesperson, told PolitickerOR.com that Westlund had spoken to Ekstrom and “welcomed him to participate in the joint public appearances.”

In an interview with PolitickerOR.com, Ekstrom confirmed the discussion had occurred and had accepted the offer. Ekstrom said that “it was a good idea” for him to participate in the debates.

The Allen Alley campaign, however, was never made aware of the invitation until contacted by PolitickerOR.com. “Alley’s campaign was unaware of Westlund’s insistence that the Constitution Party be involved until notified by Politickeror. The discussion about debates thus far had been conducted in private between the two candidates,” said the Alley campaign in an email to PolitickerOR.com.

“It seems that Ben's handlers are concerned about having their candidate on stage alone with Allen. I don’t blame them,” Alley’s campaign manager, Eric Wareham, wrote.

Westlund, Alley and Ekstrom are in a three-way race for the state treasurer’s seat, which is opening due to term limits.

Also on PolitickerOR.com

Alley wants 5 debates in treasurer’s race; Westlund sees that and raises 5 more