<< Back 10/9/02 Taylor mum on debate offer SMN Sam Neill, Democratic candidate for the 11th Congressional District, is calling for a debate with his opponent, Republican incumbent Charles Taylor. “As the November election approaches, the voters of Western North Carolina deserve to know their Congressional candidates’ stand on the issues,” said Neill. “I look forward to a campaign without the rancor of the past. It is important for voters to see the contrast in views between myself and Charles Taylor in an open public dialogue.” Taylor spokesman Will Haynie said the congressman was not responding to Neill’s invitation for a debate. University of North Carolina in Asheville has agreed to host the debate on campus in October. The League of Women Voters has agreed to moderate the discussion. Representatives of the media will be asked to pose questions. The public will be encouraged to attend the debate. The campaign two years ago between Taylor and Neill was full of rancor and mud slinging. Many political observers concede that it was the nastiest congressional race ever in WNC.