John Salazar’s unhappy and may not debate Scott Tipton

When the Western Slope’s Club 20 hosts a political debates next month, they might not include U.S. Rep. John Salazar.

Salazar, who is seeking his fourth term in Colorado’s 3rd Congressional District, is facing Republican Scott Tipton in the November general election.

According to an article in Tuesdays Grand Junction Sentinel, Salazar was unhappy with the cross-examination portion of the 2006 debates that were hosted by Club 20.

The cross-examination section is the least predictable part of the Club 20 debate format. It occurs when the candidates have the opportunity to ask their opponents questions, and the questioners can ask questions in rapid-fire manner and cut off their opponents in mid-answer. “You can’t script that,” Club 20 Executive Director Reeves Brown said.

All the other candidates for governor, U.S. Senate and the 3rd Congressional District have confirmed their participation in the debate.

If Salazar chooses to abstain he won’t be the only Colorado candidate missing at the debate.

Tom Tancredo’s American Constitution Party failed to get enough votes in the last gubernatorial election to qualify to debate under Club 20 rules.