Democratic nominee for Congress Don Cooney personally delivered a letter Thursday to Rep. Fred Upton’s office congratulating him on his victory in Tuesday’s primary, and also requesting a series of debates leading up to Nov. 2’s general election.

Commissioner Cooney also called Upton’s primary challenger Jack Hoogendyk’s office to praise his strong showing in Tuesday’s election.

The request is for one debate in each county in Michigan’s 6th congressional District.

Michigan’s 6th District is comprised of Berrien, Cass, Kalamazoo, St. Joseph, Van Buren and parts of Allegan and Calhoun counties.

The request is for the debates to be freely attended by the public and include time for attendees to ask questions of the candidates.

On his decision to ask for this series of debates, Commissioner Cooney had the following to say:

“The people are going to make a choice this November, one that will have far-reaching implications for their lives. There is a sharp distinction between the policies promoted by Mr. Upton during his time in Washington and the priorities which I believe in.

“I am campaigning for new priorities. We must have an economy which provides jobs and equal opportunity.  We must invest in energy efficiency, renewable energy and mass transit.  We must redirect our resources from endless war to meeting the needs of the people.

“The people of the 6th District deserve to see the candidates meet in face-to-face debate. I expect that our opponent will honor the people’s democratic right to make informed choices and meet with us for debates in each of the 6 counties in the congressional district.

“The outcome of the election should not depend on who can buy the most television exposure. People should be able to make an informed choice by engaging with the candidates in person.

“This is why a face-to-face debate in every county of the district is essential,” Cooney concluded.