Trying to stir things up when the conclusion is foregone

The Senate race in New York is a virtual gimme for incumbent Democrat Charles Schumer. According to A.P., Schumer enjoys big leads in fundraising (as of the end of June, $26 million for Schumer and $0.5 million for his Republican challenger, State Assemblyman Howard Mills) and in the polls (Schumer 65%, Mills 17% according to a September Marist College poll). Schumer may not even run any television ads.

In an effort to get his message out, Mills is eager for debates. And according to a press release issued by the Mills camp today, Schumer's campaign agreed to a debate, but is now ducking the issue. The Schumer campaign has agreed to have a press person call me to discuss the matter. If and when anyone calls, I'll keep you posted. I cannot imagine the Schumer press people are too busy, given the Senator's recent comment:

I know it's tough to be a journalist when there's not much of a Senate race going on and you have to write something.

The most compelling part of Mills' web site is Schumer's Senate legislative record. Apparently over the last three years Schumer has introduced a grand total of 12 bills on which the Senate has agreed. It would be hard to imagine 12 less consequential bills. Eight were to rename post offices, one was to rename a cemetery, one was to rename a courthouse, and two were to conduct local studies.