For whatever reason, I got a press release a couple of days ago from the Marty Williams (Senate 01) campaign. It seems that he has challenged his primary opponent, Tricia Stall, to a televised debate. Now, it’s enough for me to follow the Southside Hampton Roads races that I haven’t had time to pay attention to the ones on the Peninsula. Bearing Drift has been all over this race, though, so if you want more info on Stall, head over there.
If Stall agrees, the debate will be televised Sunday, May 27, on On the Record with Joel Rubin.
I had received the press release before last Tuesday’s Obama event. I got a chance to talk with a Peninsula General Assembly member about it and was told that Stall is something of a “nutcase.” (That person’s word, not mine.) If that’s the case, Williams did the right thing by challenging her to appear on TV. Reminds me of when Bobby Scott was being challenged by Winsome Sears in 2004. Getting her to debate him on Rubin’s show may have been the nail in her coffin. He beat her by 38 points, a larger margin than Randy Forbes beat underfunded challenger Menefee in the neighboring 4th CD.
VIVIAN J. PAIGE | All Politics is Local 
Marty Williams is the lowest form of politician there is. ABW Anybody but Williams. All Stall has to do is tell the truth and she’ll sweep him under the rock, he crawled out from under!
I’m not sure if I’d suggest Tricia debate Williams or not. I’d think a debate would be more on Williams “turf”. He’s had far more debating practice that Tricia, and knows all the tricks. People not familiar with Williams might be impressed with his debating skills and get the wrong impression about Tricia. Sure hope Tricia gets well prepared if she goes up against Williams.