Ro Khanna Holds Rally at 17th Congressional District Incumbant Mike Honda's Office, Demands Debate

The battle for California's 17th congressional district is heating up after challenger Ro Khanna rallied at longtime South Bay incumbent Mike Honda's office.

Khanna at Wednesday's rally demanded a debate with Honda, who he accuses of ducking repeated calls for the challenge.

"The voters in this district deserve debates," Khanna said at the rally. "You're supposed to answer the questions and give answers . . . but don't duck from the debate that is the hallmark of democracy."

The rally comes after Honda beat Khanna in the open primary by 20 points.

Larry Gerston, a political science professor at San Jose State University, said Khanna needs the attention -- to a point.

"It's not so much a Hail Mary as an attempt to get attention," Gerston said. "It's a good time to make news. That said, when you go to your opponent's headquarters, some would look at that as rather sophomoric."

The latest polls show Khanna, once considered a front-runner, is now trailing significantly.

A spokesperson for Honda's campaign said they plan to have a debate with Khanna in early October.

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