THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT 
              Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: Thursday, October 31, 1996            TAG: 9610310340
SECTION: LOCAL                   PAGE: B2   EDITION: NORTH CAROLINA 
SOURCE: STAFF REPORT 
DATELINE: KILL DEVIL HILLS                  LENGTH:   21 lines

DARE GOP CANDIDATE IS ``VERY DISCOURAGED'' THAT FOE WON'T DEBATE

Republican candidate for Dare County Board of Commissioners Steve Sawin said he was ``very discouraged'' that his Democratic opponent Bobby Owens has turned down his offer to debate.

Sawin said he challenged his opponent to a public debate on two occasions, but that the District 2 incumbent has not responded.

``I didn't respond to it and I'm not going to respond to it,'' Owens said Wednesday.

``I don't have a reason to debate him,'' Owens said.

The Republican challenger had earlier held a public briefing at Etheridge Seafood Restaurant in Kill Devil Hills, when he renewed his invitation to Owens to meet face-to-face to discuss the issues.

KEYWORDS: ELECTION NORTH CAROLINA by CNB