Slattery Drops Out of Tonight's Debate in Emmaus

State House Democratic won't participate in a political in Emmaus as a result of a lawsuit filed in Lehigh County Court on Monday.

Slattery called for the event to be canceled.

Two Emmaus political activists - and John Donches - yesterday filed suit against Slattery and others alleging defamation of character. The men are members of Concerned East Penn Taxpayers Association (CEPTA), which is hosting the debate.

Slattery is in a heated race with for the 134th District house seat Special Election on April 24. The winner will fill out the remaining eight months of the term of Rep. Doug Reichley, who resigned to become a county judge.

The primary election is a week away. What do you think of the 134th House race? Tell us in the comments section below.

Slattery this afternoon saying that Larry Otter, the Doylestown-based attorney representing Slozer and Donches, "has done extensive work for the House Republican Campaign Committee to remove Democrats from ballots across the commonwealth." Otter's website says he has defended Republican, Democrat and Green Party candidates.

Slattery called the lawsuit a "baseless, desperate, and political stunt."

Slattery said he is still willing to debate Mackenzie "any place and any time he sees fit as long as an open and fair exchange can be guaranteed."

Emmaus Patch has placed a call to John Donches for comment and we'll post his reply as soon as we have it.

Check back for a complete story on the Slozer-Donches defamation of character lawsuit.

This story has been corrected. The original version of this story stated that the debate was hosted by Otto Slozer and John Donches. The host of the debate was the Concerned East Penn Taxpayers Association, known as CEPTA. Donches is president of CEPTA. Slozer is a member of the group.