Kerry is debatable

US SENATOR John Kerry is having a very busy summer. But he shouldn't be too busy to debate Edward O'Reilly, his Democratic primary opponent.

Kerry had time for a "Meet the Press" debate with Senator Joe Lieberman of Connecticut on the merits of Democrat Barack Obama versus Republican John McCain. He is campaigning for Obama as well as launching a new website to fight the Republican "smear machine."

Back at home, the Bay State's junior senator is also holding "Kerry in Your Corner" meet-and-greets. At the same time, his Senate office churns out press releases announcing millions in federal funding for Massachusetts cities and towns.

That is the power of incumbency. The money may be welcome, but the presumption is not. And presumptuous is what Kerry appears when he tries to ignore the first primary opponent to take him on in 24 years.

O'Reilly, a Gloucester attorney, first challenged Kerry to debate in a letter delivered on July 23. Initially Kerry was too busy with Senate business. Now, his campaign says it is ready to discuss O'Reilly's challenge.

Roger Lau, Kerry's campaign manager, plans to sit down with an O'Reilly representative this Friday. "They are going to discuss details . . . what, if anything, can be worked out," said Kerry campaign press secretary Brigid O'Rourke.

What's to discuss? As O'Reilly put it in an Aug. 18 follow-up letter: "Debates: Yes or No?"

O'Reilly, who received 23 percent of the delegates' votes in the Democratic state convention in June, deserves an answer. And the people of Massachusetts deserve a debate before the Sept. 16 primary.