By Miriam Raftery

 

March 12, 2012 (San Diego) – What criteria should news outlets use in determining who should be included in political debates—and who should be left out?

 

Ten candidates have thrown their hats in the ring to seek the newly redrawn 52^nd Congressional District seat currently held by Republican Brian Bilbray.  But which ones receive a seat at debates to bring their messages to voters has become a key point of contention with some debate sponsors restricting the number of participants.