Hispanic GOP club planning sheriff's race radio debate

By Michael W. Shapiro

Duke Machado said Wednesday that Republican candidates for McLennan County Sheriff, Parnell McNamara and Randy Plemons, have agreed to participate in debates on NewsTalk 1230.

Machado, the founder of the Hispanic Republican Club of McLennan County, said he formed a partnership with Shane Warner, a radio host at the station. He cited a concern there may not be ample debate and public discussion in key Republican primaries, including races where there may not be a Democrat in the general election, and referred to a recent article in the Waco Trib.

Machado said he's also trying to book candidates for state House District 56 for a debate. He said State Rep. Charles "Doc" Anderson has agreed to participate.

Snagging his challenger, Chris DeCluitt, could be trickier, given Machado and DeCluitt's history. Machado has been highly complimentary of Anderson and critical of DeCluitt since DeCluitt announced he was running.

Machado said he nevertheless hopes DeCluitt agrees to the debate.

He hasn't laid out what rules he would use for the debate, and dates and other details have also not been set.

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