Fact-finding mission prompts the cancellation of debates

SHARON, Pa. -- U.S. Rep. Phil English's fact-finding trip to Iraq, Jordan and Germany has resulted in the cancellation of debates between him and his Democrat opponent in the Nov. 2 election.
English, R-Erie, is being challenged by Dr. Steven Porter of Wattsburg, Erie County, for the 3rd District Congressional seat. The two had been scheduled to meet in debates Friday at Grove City College and Monday at Allegheny College.
English left the United States on Wednesday, however, as part of a congressional delegation visiting Iraq, Jordan and Germany and won't return to the country until sometime Monday.
Porter, who announced the debate cancellations, said they may be rescheduled for Oct. 4 and 15.
Meanwhile, English reported he voted against the procedural measure that automatically approves pay raises for members of Congress.
The measure passed the House on Tuesday by a vote of 230-170. English, who has voted against congressional pay raises consistently, said it is inappropriate for Congress to give itself a raise at a time of real economic distress for many families in places like western Pennsylvania. He gives his pay raise to charitable organizations in his district.