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US Rep. Dale Strong’s Democratic rival invites him to participate in town hall series
U.S. Rep. Dale Strong’s Democratic challenger has invited the two-term Republican to participate in a series of town halls leading up to the Nov. 3 general election.
“To be clear, this will not be a debate, nor will it be a format for ‘gotcha’ type questions,” Sneed said in a release sent out by his campaign “I believe the participation of both candidates would be informative and useful to the voters in CD5 (Congressional District 5) and allow us both the opportunity to answer their substantive concerns and show our mutual commitment to the democratic process.”
Sneed’s campaign said it extended an invitation to Strong on July 27 to participate in the town hall series.
“At this time, neither Rep. Strong or his campaign staff have responded to the invitation,” Sneed’s campaign said.
Strong’s campaign confirmed to AL.com that the congressman will not be participating.
Sneed has been among those critical of Strong for not holding public town hall meetings since his election to Congress in 2022. Strong has held by-invitation telephone town halls.
Sneed’s campaign has announced a series of town hall events titled “Hear Every Voice” across the 5th Congressional District and said residents on both sides of the political aisle are welcome to participate.
The town halls will be held at the following locations:
Monday, Aug. 17, 6 p.m.-7:30 p.m., Scottsboro, Bynum Auditorium, moderator Mike Ball
Wednesday, Aug. 26, 6 p.m.-7:30 p.m., Decatur, Turner Surles Venue, moderator Mike Ball
Wednesday, Sept. 9, 6 p.m.-7:30 p.m., Athens, Athens State University McCandless, Hall, moderator TBA
Tuesday, Oct. 6, 6 p.m.-7:30 p.m., Huntsville, Bob Harrison Center, moderator Kenny Anderson
Sneed was among Democratic candidates attending a town hall hosted by Democratic gubernatorial candidate Doug Jones in Huntsville at Campus 805 that was attended by about 600 residents on July 29.
Strong has a large fundraising advantage over Sneed in their general election contest.
Strong reported to the Federal Election Commission that he had $1,424,334 cash on hand on June 30 compared to Sneed’s $169,719. But Sneed has outraised Strong during two quarters of the current election cycle.
Strong’s campaign currently does not have any events scheduled.