Senate Candidate Eric Hovde Challenges Arianna Huffington to a Debate

U.S. Senate hopeful Eric Hovde isn’t afraid to step outside the political boxing ring to debate - anywhere at any time.

In fact, on Wednesday he challenged Huffington Post founder Arianna Huffington to debate about who has done more for the less fortunate in America.

“I will gladly debate Ms. Huffington any time and any place in front of a room full of journalists on what she has done for the less fortunate versus what I have done,” Hovde stated Wednesday.

Hovde put out the challenge to Huffington after the online media outlet posted a story about the Wisconsin real estate developer’s comments pertaining to the media’s portrayal of the poor in America.

In the Huffington Post article Hovde is quoted as saying:

"I see a reporter here," he said. "I just pray that you start writing about these issues. I just pray. Stop always writing about, 'Oh, the person couldn't get, you know, their food stamps or this or that.' You know, I saw something the other day -- it's like, another sob story, and I'm like, 'But what about what's happening to the country and the country as a whole?' That's going to devastate everybody."

Hovde asserts that Huffington is baselessly attacking him, and that his comments were taken “grossly” out of context. In fact, the quote was just a few seconds from a 14-minute speech he delivered Friday in Brookfield.

“The fact that I am being attacked for wanting to address the problems we face is exactly what is wrong with our political system,” said Hovde. “Nothing ever gets fixed in our country because you can’t even talk about the serious issues without suffering attacks against your character.” 

Hovde asserts that he is doing good things for the poor. In 1998, he created the Hovde Foundation to fund multiple sclerosis research. A few years later, he shifted focus to helping vulnerable street children around the globe. Then, in 2005, he started building ‘Hovde Houses,’ which are group shelters that provide housing, supportive services children in six countries.

“I find it shameful that Arianna Huffington who, through her heritage, is well-versed on the devastating effect the debt crisis has had on Greek society, entitlements and their lower and middle classes would use my comments out of context to attack me,” Hovde said.

Huffington is not the only person Hovde is ready to wage rhetorical war with. He also blasted his U.S. Senate opponent, Tommy Thompson, .

Huffington did not immediately comment on Hovde’s challenge, but Patch contacted her via email.

If both eventually decide to put the gloves on and debate – Patch will be there.