Middleton, Gilliard beg to differ on debate

The two Democratic hopefuls vying for the state House District 111 seat debated Monday about the lack of any debate before their June 24 primary runoff.

Iraq war veteran Clay Middleton accused Charleston City Councilman Wendell Gilliard of ducking a debate invitation from the NAACP and said voters deserve to hear more from both candidates. "In order to speak for the people, an effective member of the state Legislature must meet with the people, particularly when invited," he said.

Gilliard said no one has asked him to debate recently and the campaign already has had all the debates it needs. He said voters would rather he visit with them door to door and dismissed Middleton's comments as a ploy. "It shows his inexperience. There's not time for a debate," Gilliard said.

Last week, Gilliard and Middleton received 46 percent and 38 percent of the vote, respectively, to move into the runoff for the seat held by retiring Rep. Floyd Breeland. Former City Councilman Maurice Washington placed third and has not endorsed either of his former opponents.

Meanwhile, Gilliard said the news about one of Middleton's key supporters — U.S. Rep. and Majority Whip Jim Clyburn — is "very disappointing."

The Sun News of Myrtle Beach reported Sunday that Clyburn steered $6.2 million to projects that could directly benefit his friends and family.

Middleton works as Clyburn's Lowcountry coordinator, and Clyburn has endorsed his bid.

Clyburn released a statement Monday critical of the Sun News report and saying that he takes seriously the pledge that neither he nor his spouse have any financial interest in an earmark project. "I will not stop working with the state Department of Transportation to provide federal dollars to South Carolina because my son-in-law is employed by the Highway Department," he said.

Gilliard said Middleton's bid is an attempt by Clyburn to extend his influence. "It's unprecedented that a U.S. congressman would find the time to get involved with a local race. ... If our illustrious congressman would like to debate with Wendell Gilliard, then I will debate him."

Middleton said his name is on the ballot, not Clyburn's. "That's why a debate is needed, so one can't throw the rock and hide the hand."