Man goes on hunger strike until Hatch agrees to debate

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — A Utah man is planning to starve himself until U.S. Sen. Orrin Hatch agrees to more debates in the Republican primary race.

The Salt Lake Tribune reports McKay Christensen will begin his hunger strike Saturday after a political barbeque.

Christensen says he will refuse to eat unless Hatch accepts the challenge from Dan Liljenquist for a series of debates before the June 26 primary.

Hatch has agreed to one debate on a radio talk show in late June. Hatch also participated in two debates before the April state republican convention.

Hatch’s campaign manager Dave Hansen says the candidates have appeared together many times and more debates are not needed.

Liljenquist’s campaign manager Holly Richardson says while they want more debates, they are distancing themselves from Christensen’s hunger strike.