Brunner Can't Even Give a Straight Answer on Question of GOP Senate Debates

[UPDATE: We've received an explanation from Brunner himself on his "debate switcheroo." Click here to view.]

Is John Brunner trying to compete with Mittens on how many times one man can flip-flop on a single topic? This certainly seems to be the case when it comes to whether or not John Brunner will participate in a debate on the issues with his fellow candidates for the GOP nomination for Senate here in Missouri.  Unfortunately, just like pretty much everything else, Brunner can't commit.

Back in October, Sarah Steelman and Todd Akin were both in negotiations to participate in a debate pulled together by KCUR, but Brunner, clearly not ready for primetime, refused to engage.

Fast forward two months and Brunner finally came around to the idea of a series of debates with his opponents with his campaign manager sending a letter to Steelman and Akin saying.  One would think that this would be a clear indication that Brunner was ready to face the music and answer questions about issues of concern to Missourians, such as whether or not he supports the Ryan plan to privatize Medicare, and his alarming views on tax policy and support of the supremely regressive flat-tax.

But wait... You thought Brunner agreed to a debate or two? Joke's on you!

Just this week Brunner has given voters a serious case of whiplash, reneging on his agreement to debate Steelman and Akin, with a Brunner spokesman even going so far to say:

“We’re not going to debate every night for the next nine months,” John Hancock, a spokesman for Brunner, told KMBC. “It’s not in our interest. I don’t think it’s in the voters’ interest.”

Get that?  According to his campaign, It's not in the voters' interest to hear Brunner answers to his extreme positions on the issues.

In October, Steve Kraske wrote the following:

John Brunner made a fortune from his family’s household-products company.

These days, he’s Missouri’s newest GOP Senate contender.

He swung through KC this week, and here’s my first reaction: Brunner’s not ready.

Not even close.

In an interview, he couldn’t articulate a clear vision or expand on even basic questions, such as on creating jobs.

Mr. Brunner, you need some more practice. Either that, or try it again some other year.

Two months later, it's still 100% true.  Brunner's nowhere near ready for primetime and it's no surprise his campaign is hiding him away from voters and the tough questions they want and deserve answers to.

Missouri deserves better.