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

General election season is starting already, and campaigns that have been sitting on the sidelines for the past couple of months are jumping in the game.

Allen Alley, Republican candidate for treasurer, is one of those candidates.

Alley challenged his opponent, Democratic state Senator Ben Westlund, to a series of debates.

"The State Treasurer has a big job," Alley said in a statement. "So, it's incumbent upon the candidates to educate the public about the office and their respective experience that qualifies them to carry out its duties," said Alley.  "I ask my opponent to agree to a series of five debates around the state so the public can make an informed choice in this election."

Alley, the former Chairman and CEO of Pixelworks who also worked in the governor's office for a year, took a round-about shot at Westlund. "I see many outstanding people working in government, but the bureaucracy oftentimes promotes the status quo and does not allow our public services to innovate or operate efficiently," said Alley.

Westlund responded by one-upping his opponent, and suggesting that five debates are five too few.

"As a business owner and as a rural legislator, I have traveled extensively to all parts of this state... I know how big it truly is and I believe that five joint appearances are far too few to really reach "the entire State of Oregon" as you indicated.  In the spirit of your proposal, I propose that we conduct, at a minimum, ten joint appearances, at least two in each congressional district and at least two in each month, beginning in June," Westlund said in a letter to Alley.

Not only does Westlund want more public time with Alley, he wants some more personal time as well:

"I would further like to suggest that we emulate the example of two of Oregon's great statesmen, Bob Straub and Tom McCall who, when running as opponents for Governor traveled to their appearances together in the same car."

Westlund even offered to drive. Only time will tell if Alley calls shotgun.