May 15, 2015
 
DELIVERED VIA EMAIL
Mr. Reince Priebus
Chairman, Republican National Committee
310 First Street, SE
Washington, D.C. 20003

  
Dear Chairman Priebus, 

As the campaign for the Republican nomination for president continues to develop, and more of my party colleagues announce their candidacies, I am compelled to write and express my views on the anticipated official RNC debate schedule.

There has been much speculation and conjecture by the media, unnamed party sources and pundits regarding so-called eligibility of certain individuals for the debates, citing the manageability of too many participants, and suggesting screening or elimination contingent on their respective standing in early polls. Limiting participation of qualified candidates on this reasoning, I believe, does our party a tremendous disservice.

I am particularly concerned with widespread speculation that my respected and well-qualified colleague, Ms. Carly Fiorina, may fall victim to those who want to limit debate participation to the more ‘popular’ candidates, and I am serving notice herein, that I could not support such a decision. While I respect the authority of the RNC to sponsor and regulate the debates, I firmly believe in the value and necessity of allowing the diverse voices of our party to be represented and demonstrated for the benefit of the American public’s awareness and information. Our treasured Republic deserves no less a commitment by the party.

As we are fast approaching the first debate in Cleveland on August 6, I felt it important to communicate my views to give you and the party leadership ample time to consider the need for broad, diverse and inclusive representation at this important time for our party, and our country.

Thank you for your consideration.
 

Sincerely,

Benjamin S. Carson, M.D.