State Rep Haddad refuses to debate Thurber in race for Bristol 5th seat

Somerset/Dighton/Swansea/Taunton, MA – Longtime Democratic incumbent Patricia Haddad, State Representative for the 5th Bristol district, is refusing to debate her opponent once again.

Haddad, who resides in Somerset, has not responded to any requests from her opponent, Republican Justin Thurber, to meet and discuss their platforms. Thurber released a video on his campaign Facebook page addressing Haddad directly, saying she owes it to voters to answer for her voting record.

Haddad, who was first elected to the legislature back in 2000, had never faced a challenger until political newcomer and Veteran Thurber showed up on the scene two years ago. Launching a write-in campaign to get on the ballot, Thurber surprised everyone when he pulled 46% of the vote to Haddad’s 54%. With little money and a late start to the campaign trail, Thurber got the attention of voters by calling out Haddad’s voting record and for the first time in over 20 years, giving voters an option at the ballot box.

Thurber made the decision early this time around to run a second time and did not have any challengers for the September primary. Haddad, who recently lost her husband, is committed to the campaign, attending fundraising events and sign holdings weekly.

But Haddad’s lack of accessibility to voters is nothing new. Last election cycle, local news outlets reached out to Haddad for a sit down with Thurber and Haddad did not respond. Thurber attended anyway.

This time, the newly formed Somerset Republican Town Committee reached out to Haddad on no fewer than four occasions, sending emails, leaving voicemails and speaking with staffers both in Somerset and Boston with a request for a debate. Haddad has never responded.

Haddad, who is a member of the Somerset Democratic Town Committee, hosts a “Meet the Candidates” event each local election cycle, where she tells voters that meeting and getting to know the candidates is a critical part in the election process.

Fall River Reporter has reached out to Haddad and her office on several occasions and has yet to receive a response.

Election Day is Tuesday, November 5th.