[img_assist|nid=1540|title=U.S. Rep. Harry Mitchell|desc=|link=none|align=left|width=386|height=300]Laura Knaperek, candidate in the 5th Congressional District Republican primary, has asked Arizona Democratic Party Chairman Don Bivens to facilitate a series of debates between her and U.S. Rep. Harry Mitchell (D-Tempe) - a proposal that will not likely be seized upon by Democrats.

"Since Congressman Mitchell’s staff keeps him sequestered," read the letter, "I am hoping that in your capacity as state Democratic Party chair that you would encourage Congressman Mitchell to actually talk with the voters about the issues they care about.

I propose that over the next 90 days Rep. Mitchell and I conduct no fewer than five debates, co-hosted by my campaign and the Arizona Democratic Party to share with the voters where we stand on the issues.

It is my sincere hope that Rep. Mitchell will be receptive to your overtures and that we can agree on the terms of the debates and engage our fellow Americans."

The letter was written after the Knaperek campaign discovered an Arizona Democratic Party employee videotaping at a Knaperek fundraiser. Both the Democratic Party and the Mitchell campaign have claimed the practice is simply part of the electoral process. The Knaperek campaign says it represents "dirty politics."

"While the Democrats focus their efforts on hackneyed stunts like videotaping private citizens and license plate numbers," said Lauren Barnett, Knaperek's campaign manager, in an accompanying press release, "Laura Knaperek is focusing on the important issues facing America."

Mitchell campaign manager Seth Scott said "Absolutely no" when asked if Mitchell would accept Knaperek's offer, and pointed out there is still a Republican primary going on.

"We obviously wish Representative Knaperek luck in the primary, but the Congressman is pretty busy getting his G.I. Bill passed," said Scott, referring to the Mitchell-sponsored legislation that would increase and expand educational benefits for returning veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan. He also said that, far from being sequestered, "[Mitchell] is one of the most accessible members in the delegation," holding Congressman on Your Corner events frequently. "You can find him at Costco on most Saturdays," said Scott.

As for when Mitchell may be sharing a stage with any of his would-be rivals, Scott said, "[Mitchell] looks forward to a vigorous debate with whomever his opponent is."

Nor can the Arizona Democratic Party be counted as a taker. Party spokeswoman Emily DeRose said she hadn't seen the letter to Bivens, but was confident that the proposal wouldn't be accepted.

"This seems to be a cart-horse issue," said DeRose.