Camera-shy Reynolds may skip debate

Organizers of a debate planned Wednesday night between State Sen. Tom Reynolds and his Dem challenger, Jim Sullivan, report:

After agreeing weeks ago to participate in a candidate forum on August 23, State Senator Tom Reynolds threatened Tuesday to boycott the event if video cameras would be allowed.

Senator Reynolds and Democratic challenger James Sullivan have both confirmed their attendance at a forum scheduled for Wednesday, August 23 at 7 pm at the Unitarian Universalist Church West (13001 West North Avenue, Brookfield). Reynolds sent a written agreement on July 14. The forum is being sponsored by congregations belonging to the SOPHIA and MICAH organizations.

Becky Steffes, an event organizer, said "I couldn't believe he was coming up with this at the last minute. This is a public event. Part of the reason for a candidate forum is that we want people to go on the record with their views. If there is something he is ashamed to have on tape, he shouldn't say it."

Mark Doremus, SOPHIA President said the event will proceed with or without Reynolds' participation. "We've invited people in good faith. There will be a chair for Mr. Reynolds, and an opportunity for him to speak to potential voters. If he does not fulfill his promise to participate, it will be his choice."

Reynolds, you may recall, stopped someone from taping a town meeting he was holding with constituents in his district in June. Reynolds has a good reason to be camera-shy.

He much prefers to let his brain trust, Bob Dohnal and J.J. Blonien, write poison pen letters for other people to sign, making charges they know are false and then pretending they had nothing to do with it. That has backfired badly, and the brewing scandal may be just one more reason Reynolds doesn't want to be filmed.

UPDATE: WisPolitics reports Reynolds has chickened out.

UPDATE: Crazy like a fox? The Spice Boys write about Reynolds' shyness today, but he refused to flatly say he won't attend. Is this a ploy to get all of the people with cameras to stay home, so he can show up at the last minute in a camera-free zone?