STEIN RAPS GALVIN FOR"16 MINUTES OF DODGING"

PRESS RELEASE - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Nov. 5th, 2006
Contact: Jill Stein, 617-852-4727

Jill Stein to Visit High School Civics Class Spurned by Galvin
- Says Young People Are Critical to Reviving Democracy.

Accepting an invitation to appear before a Charlestown High School civics class on Monday, Jill Stein declared "The young voters of tomorrow are key to revitalizing democracy in Massachusetts. They are a major priority of my agenda for Secretary of State."

Steven Berbeco's AP Government class, after studying political parties, had extended an invitation to Jill Stein and current Secretary of State Bill Galvin to appear jointly at Charlestown High School Monday morning. After first telling the class that Secretary Galvin was amenable to a debate, the Galvin campaign called back to inform them that the Secretary was extremely busy and would not attend. Later, commenting to the Boston Globe on the invitation, Galvin said "We can't run off to every civics class, and say, 'Gee, let's have a debate'".

Galvin, who for eight months had spurned all candidate debates and forums, finally agreed to a five minute debate hosted by political analyst Jon Keller. Stein, who has appeared at forums across the state without meeting Galvin face-to-face, reluctantly agreed to the inadequate five-minute format (which was stretched to 16 minutes once it began).

Noting that revitalizing democracy has been a theme of her campaign, Stein lamented the effect of the Secretary's avoidance of public forums over the past few months, including two hosted by high schools. "We need to show current and future voters that office holders are interested in their opinions and are ready and willing to answer their questions. The message Secretary Galvin has been sending is that incumbents don't have to answer questions, and don't have time to spend with voters. Its an unfortunate message from the official who is responsible for encouraging voter participation."

Stein said she looked forward to addressing Mr. Berbeco's class, noting that their disappointment upon learning of the Secretary's refusal may well turn into a civics lesson they'll never forget. Mr. Berbeco's class has kept the invitation to both candidates on the table, as well as an invitation to the press. Dr. Stein will join the class at 11 AM.