Atlantic County GOP Chairman Purdy Says He May Reconsider Decision Blocking Sheriff's Debate

ATLANTIC COUNTY — With Election Day less than a month away, Atlantic County Republican Chairman Don Purdy says he may reconsider his decision to prevent Republican candidates from participating in debates, potentially reopening the door to a face-to-face showdown between Sheriff Joe O'Donoghue and Democratic challenger Sean Riggin.

The development came during a sometimes pointed exchange Friday, Oct. 9, on Off The Press with Scott Cronick on News Talk 1400 & 92.3 WOND.

Cronick challenged Purdy over his decision to block a proposed debate between the sheriff candidates, arguing that O'Donoghue had initially accepted the invitation before the Republican chairman intervened.

Purdy acknowledged his opposition to the debate format but appeared willing to reconsider after Cronick explained the proposed rules and reminded him that Stockton University had agreed to host the event.

"I'm going to give you the rules again," Cronick told Purdy. "You look at them, you make a decision."

Purdy responded that he would review the proposal.

The exchange could provide an opening for a debate in one of Atlantic County's most closely watched local races.

Sheriff candidates clash over debate

O'Donoghue, a Republican seeking reelection, faces Riggin, a Democrat and former Pleasantville police chief who currently serves as Atlantic City's public safety director.

The campaign has become increasingly contentious, with the candidates disagreeing over the Sheriff's Office's priorities, spending, prisoner transportation and public safety responsibilities.

The debate controversy has added another dimension to the race.

Riggin has criticized the refusal to participate in a formal debate, saying voters deserve an opportunity to hear the candidates directly challenge each other's positions.

In a public statement reported Oct. 9 by WPG Talk Radio, Riggin said he was disappointed that O'Donoghue had declined an invitation to a live debate and that Purdy had indicated Republican candidates would not participate in debates this election season.

O'Donoghue disputed the suggestion that he was unwilling to face his opponent, pointing to multiple forums and candidate events where the two had appeared together.

The sheriff identified appearances before the Atlantic City NAACP, civic associations, police unions and students at Oakcrest High School among the events in which both candidates had participated.

Those appearances, however, have not resolved the disagreement over holding a dedicated debate.

Cronick: O'Donoghue originally accepted

During Friday's interview, Cronick made a point of distinguishing the sheriff's original willingness to debate from Purdy's subsequent decision.

"You, Don Purdy, told him that we're not going to debate," Cronick said, referring to O'Donoghue. "None of the Republican candidates are going to debate."

Cronick said he disagreed with the decision, particularly because it had become an issue in the campaign.

He emphasized that O'Donoghue should not personally be portrayed as having refused the original invitation.

"In all fairness to Joe, he did not back down from the debate," Cronick said.

According to Cronick, the sheriff accepted the proposed event but ultimately deferred to the Republican chairman's decision.

Purdy defended O'Donoghue, saying the sheriff was not afraid to confront Riggin or answer questions about his record.

He also noted that the candidates had already participated in other public forums.

Purdy objects to radio debate format

Purdy said his primary concern involved the way the proposed debate would be conducted.

"I'm not going to have him sit in a radio on a radio show and do a debate," Purdy said.

He suggested a neutral public setting would be more appropriate.

"If they want to debate and they want to go into an auditorium somewhere with a neutral, you know, people doing a debate, that's one thing," Purdy said.

But Cronick immediately pointed out that his proposal involved precisely that kind of venue.

"We were going to do it at Stockton," Cronick said. "Stockton agreed to host it."

Cronick explained that his format would allow the candidates to question each other rather than rely on a moderator selecting questions.

He said the approach was intended to avoid accusations that the moderator was favoring either party.

"That way no one can accuse me of taking sides," Cronick said.

Purdy remained skeptical, raising questions about how the event would be structured and whether an audience would be present.

But the discussion moved from a firm rejection toward the possibility of renewed negotiations.

Could the debate still happen?

Near the end of the exchange, Cronick offered to send Purdy the debate rules for another review.

He said he would also need to determine whether Stockton University remained available to host the event.

Purdy indicated he would look at the proposal and discuss the matter further.

Cronick welcomed that possibility.

"Maybe we'll try to make it happen," he said.

The two did not announce an agreement, a date or a location.

Separately, WPG Talk Radio host Harry Hurley has offered to host a debate between O'Donoghue and Riggin, proposing a format with opening and closing statements, candidate questions and rebuttals.

Whether either proposal moves forward remains uncertain.

Different visions for Sheriff's Office

The debate dispute comes as the candidates offer competing visions of the Sheriff's Office.

O'Donoghue has emphasized traditional law enforcement responsibilities and the office's role in assisting municipal police departments.

Riggin has discussed expanding or restoring services, including prisoner transportation, while emphasizing management, accountability and public safety partnerships.

During Friday's interview, Purdy defended the incumbent's record and questioned whether the county could afford some of Riggin's proposals.

He argued that additional prisoner transportation responsibilities would require funding that county government might not provide.

Those competing positions are among the issues voters could hear the candidates address directly if a debate is arranged.

For now, the most significant development may be Purdy's willingness to revisit a decision that had appeared final.

With the Nov. 3 election approaching, the question is whether the Republican chairman's reconsideration will come soon enough for voters to see the candidates face off in a dedicated debate.

Don Purdy was interviewed Oct. 9 on Off The Press with Scott Cronick, airing weekdays from 4 to 6 p.m. on News Talk 1400 & 92.3 WOND.