Why Mueller may not debate his Republican opponent ahead of the general election

SOUTH BEND — South Bend Mayor James Mueller so far doesn't plan to formally debate Republican challenger Desmont Upchurch ahead of the general election, a move that would mark the first time in at least three decades that South Bend mayoral candidates won’t exchange views side by side in a televised event.

Indiana University South Bend's American Democracy Project was to host an Oct. 11 mayoral debate alongside the League of Women Voters. Mueller's campaign decided not to participate because of scheduling conflicts, according to his campaign manager.

But the mayor also shared concerns about debating a candidate who has admitted to hitting a woman more than 20 years ago. Mueller doesn’t want to normalize violence against women by sharing a public platform with Upchurch, he told The Tribune.

Upchurch revealed in August that, in 2000, he pleaded guilty to misdemeanor charges for slapping his girlfriend. Two years earlier, he pleaded guilty to larceny for stealing about $800 from an employer.

The mayor will instead attend an "appreciation event" for precinct committee chairpersons for the St. Joseph County Democratic Party as well as a canvassing event with 2nd District common council candidate Ophelia Gooden-Rodgers.

Mueller also shared his concerns about Upchurch's criminal past with the Tribune ahead of an online forum Monday night. But both candidates participated and discussed key issues facing South Bend.

“We can share in disappointment that we are unable to get a mayoral debate this year," Mueller said, "but at the same time I would point interested voters to the South Bend Tribune's forum. They can see the candidates going head to head there."

Elizabeth Bennion, an IUSB political science professor who leads the democracy project, said she worries about the break from precedent Mueller's decision not to debate would represent.

South Bend Tribune archives show that South Bend mayoral candidates have debated ahead of every general election since at least 1995. It's unclear from the archives whether there was a debate in the 1991 race between Joe Kernan and Sylvia Shelton.

Before he was elected to a first term four years ago, Mueller debated Republican candidate Sean Haas. Mueller debated Democratic primary challenger Henry Davis Jr. this spring.

Bennion noted that for incumbents, debating an opponent may not be a shrewd political strategy. Officeholders can choose to let their record speak for itself and avoid any costly gaffes.

But she views participation in debates as a loftier commitment to democracy. The format forces candidates not only to convey but to defend their policy positions.

"It can be very helpful to hear multiple perspectives in order to fully understand one’s own perspective on the issue," Bennion said. "We see debates as an excellent educational tool and a commitment to accountability, because candidates are required to clearly articulate where they stand on an issue rather than really cherry-picking what issues to talk about during a campaign.”

Upchurch's admissions were meant to preempt political attacks targeting his past, he said. He shared them days after charges were filed against Republican common council candidate Roosevelt Stewart for allegedly punching and choking his 15-year-old daughter.

During the forum, The Tribune asked Mueller whether he believes it’s possible for someone to redeem themselves and run for public office after being convicted of a crime.

“We absolutely believe in second chances and that people can change …,” Mueller responded. “But, you know, the standard for mayor is very high, and so that’s something voters will make their decision on.”

Upchurch says he’s spoken to domestic violence advocacy organizations and at churches throughout his time in South Bend. He aims not to normalize his actions but to be candid about their consequences, he said.

“I share my story not to get sympathy, but to share it so young men don’t fall down that same rabbit hole," he said during The Tribune's forum. "This is a time to share that story, not demonize individuals so that they don’t feel … like they’re qualified to hold office because of mistakes made decades ago.”

More: Voting in Indiana begins Oct. 11. Register by Oct. 10. Here's all you need to know.

It’s unclear how Mueller’s decision to skip this year’s debate could affect the outcome of the mayor’s race. Mueller told Tribune columnist Jack Colwell that he has a 66% approval rating among city voters, according to a poll taken for his campaign in August.

Upchurch didn't raise enough money to get financial support from the St. Joseph County Republican Party, chairperson Tyler Gillean said. The last time a Republican was elected mayor of South Bend was in 1967, when Lloyd Allen won a second term.

Election Day is Nov. 7. The last day to register to vote is Oct. 10, and early voting begins the next day. On the ballot in South Bend are candidates for mayor, city clerk, and common council.

Information about the candidates and their stances on key issues are available on www.vote411.org. The site also includes other tools to help navigate the voting process.

Contact South Bend Tribune city reporter Jordan Smith at 574-235-6480 or JTsmith@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter: @jordantsmith09

This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: South Bend Mayor James Mueller won't debate Republican before election