Sun., July 11, 2010 10:12am (EDT)

No Shows for Debates
By Associated Press
Updated: 3 years ago

ATLANTA  —  
Democratic Reps. John Barrow of Savannah and Democrat Hank Johnson of Lithonia both declined invitations from the Atlanta Press Club.(photo by Kevin Trotman via flickr)
Democratic Reps. John Barrow of Savannah and Democrat Hank Johnson of Lithonia both declined invitations from the Atlanta Press Club.(photo by Kevin Trotman via flickr)
Two Georgia congressmen were represented by empty podiums Friday night during state-wide debates, because they turned down offers to appear with their primary opponents.

Democratic Reps. John Barrow of Savannah and Democrat Hank Johnson of Lithonia both declined invitations from the Atlanta Press Club.

Press Club officials say it is their policy to represent those who decline participation in their debates by an empty podium.

John Barrow spokeswoman says he had a scheduling conflict and Johnson said he was traveling and couldn’t make it.

All debates were broadcast statewide on GPB. The primary elections are July 20th.