It is surprising that no reader has yet challenged Howard Root’s complaint that Sen. Tina Smith’s refusal to debate her challenger, Karin Housley, on KSTP-TV and its affiliates shortchanged voters (“What does Smith offer voters? An empty podium,” Oct. 25). Readers may recall that Housley credited KSTC owner and neighbor Stanley Hubbard with encouraging her to leave the Minnesota Legislature and to run for a U.S. Senate seat. The so-called debate was to be moderated by a longtime Hubbard employee, not by a neutral host. Plaudits to Smith for avoiding an ambush.
Joe Fleischman, Roseville
Now, whether Karin Housley fell off the turnip wagon is a separate question.