On Friday, Nevada Assembly District 36 challenger Dennis Hof issued a formal challenge to incumbent tax-hiking Assemblyman James “The Big Selloutski” Oscarson in a full-page newspaper ad that appeared in the Pahrump Valley Times.
Here’s the text of the letter…
October 6, 2016
“Honorable” James Oscarson
1321 S. Highway 160, Suite 5
Pahrump, NV 89048Dear Assemblyman Oscarson,
While I would have preferred to conduct our race based on issues, your lack of trustworthiness, and your famously short temper, it’s become clear from newspaper interviews and that billboard you recently erected – which unlawfully uses a copyrighted Bloomberg News photo depicting my worldwide HBO reality TV show that I have starred in for 14 years – that you only want to talk insultingly about my businesses and demean the women who work there.
Since dueling was outlawed in this country many years ago, I hereby challenge you to a one-hold-barred public debate at your earliest convenience somewhere in Pahrump.
My suggestion would be the Seniors Social Center as an appropriate neutral site, but am open to other options.
In addition, let me suggest that we invite recently-inducted Hall of Fame columnist John L. Smith – who you interviewed with on June 15, 2015 when you tried to explain why you voted for the largest tax hike in Nevada history! – to serve as moderator.
Or perhaps Grover Norquist, president of Americans for Tax Reform and “father” of the Taxpayer Protection Pledge you continue to refuse to sign.
Those details aside, since we’ve seen that you clearly have difficulty performing without the aid of Carson City advisers, political consultants, donors, lobbyists and special interests, I propose we make it a TEAM debate.
Feel free to bring as many debate team members as you find necessary to defend your record of voting for 29 out of 32 tax hikes last year, as well as feel free to use one of those “ear bud” devices so you can communicate with remote “life line” helpers in case you get stuck on an answer.
For my part, I will be bringing two women whose lawful work you criticized in a recent newspaper interview. These women have no political experience whatsoever. However, they are smart, ethical, successful, have families, live in our community, vote and pay taxes like everyone else.
But don’t worry. I assure you they will be appropriately attired for this serious debate so as not to unduly and unfairly distract you or any of your team members with their physical attributes.
That said, in light of your still unexplained arrest for assault and disorderly conduct at a kids’ hockey game a few years ago, they will be armed with Tasers – you know, just in case you have a relapse from your court-imposed anger management treatment from that hockey incident.
As for the “one-hold-barred”…
I recognize that some of your prospective debate team members may be hesitant to participate if they have patronized any of my establishments in the past and are afraid people might find out about it. So let me extend this iron-clad guarantee…
Neither I nor any member of my team will “out” any members of your team during the debate – either intentionally or even accidentally – as having been a customer at one of our “ranches.”
And if any of us do, I will officially drop out of the race right then and there on the spot.
But other than that one “hold” prohibition, I say everything else should be fair game and on the table. The voters of Assembly District 36 deserve no less.
So what do you say, James? Are we on?
Just call me on my cell at (775) 720-9090 and name the date and time.
Sincerely yours,
DennisP.S. Of course, if this format isn’t to your liking, I renew my challenge to debate you in a more traditional setting on the Nevada Newsmakers statewide television program with hosts Sam Shad and Ray Hagar as moderators. Looking forward to your prompt response.