Keller @ Large: Some Incumbents Afraid Of Debates

BOSTON (CBS) - Debate season is here, with all five candidates for governor set for their first Boston TV debate a week from Tuesday at 7 p.m. here on cbsboston.com, WBZ-TV and WBZ NewsRadio 1030.

And according to a Washington Post report, when it comes to the nightmarish prospect of a politician having to debate his or her opponent, forget Halloween, this is the season of horror right now.

Sen. Al Franken (D-Minnesota) is not playing Minnesota nice with his Republican challenger, refusing to engage him in a single debate. Republican Sen. Thad Cochran of Mississippi is pulling the same move.

It's the bi-partisan dance craze that's sweeping the nation.

And it's completely understandable.

Why should entrenched incumbents have to risk their built-in advantages of gobs of special-interest cash and taxpayer-funded PR to submit to unscripted questioning and discussion of issues?

To force these fine leaders, who've all done such a great job in Washington in recent years, to have to explain and defend their records seems awfully harsh and unnecessary.

Voters can simply regard the superb results of their governing, the well-run programs and robust economic growth, to reaffirm their intention to re-elect.

You could look at the behavior of elected officials who refuse to participate in participatory government's oldest ritual as an insulting act of personal and political cowardice, but that would be wrong.

It's just not right to risk a change of power, especially when that power is wielded by profiles in courage.

If you agree with me on this, you are in for a glorious future, overseen by the government you deserve.

Listen to Jon's commentary:

You can listen to Keller At Large on WBZ News Radio every weekday at 7:55 a.m. You can also watch Jon on WBZ-TV News.

MORE LOCAL NEWS FROM CBS BOSTON