LA CROSSE, WI — Congressman Derrick Van Orden today slammed Rebecca Cooke for once again refusing to debate him in front of Wisconsin voters.

Van Orden has now accepted two separate invitations to debate Cooke, while Cooke has declined both opportunities. 

The Hispanic Chamber of Commerce proposed a fair, substantive debate focused on issues that matter to Wisconsin families, including the economy, workforce and labor, agriculture, and dairy.

“Rebecca Cooke has spent months saying she is eager to debate me. She has now been given two legitimate opportunities to do exactly that, and she declined,” said Congressman Derrick Van Orden. “The Wisconsin Hispanic Chamber of Commerce offered a fair opportunity to answer questions on the economy, workforce, agriculture, and dairy — issues Cooke claims to be a champion for. Cooke says that she will stand up for Wisconsin’s working families, minority-owned businesses, ‘affordability’ and labor for our farmers, yet when an organization representing those communities gives her a chance to speak directly to them, she won’t show up. Cooke’s empty promises now show Wisconsin voters exactly the type of leadership she would bring to office.”