The Butler County Democratic Committee will have its own debate for county commissioner candidates Tuesday night.

Georgiann Kerr, committee chair, said the purpose of the private debate is for members to learn more about the party’s candidates.

“The committee decided we want a debate,” Kerr said. She said there will be committee endorsements of candidates before the May 19 primary.

Four Democrats are vying for two nominations in the primary.

According to Kerr, candidates Kevin Boozel, Jerry Johnston and Dave Johnston confirmed they are participating. Incumbent Commissioner Jim Eckstein refused.

Eckstein said he won’t participate in a debate that is not open to the public.

He explained he could not be an advocate of transparency in government and agree to the committee’s terms.

Kerr said the debate would proceed without Eckstein.

“I find it unfortunate that Mr. Eckstein declines to participate in a debate that the members of the Butler County Democratic Committee has requested of the candidates,” Kerr said.

She said other groups will hold public debates so the committee doesn’t need to make its debate public.

Eckstein doesn’t fear the consequences of skipping the debate.

“I don’t want endorsed,” he said.

Eckstein pointed out there typically aren’t committee endorsements.

Ed Natali, chair of the county Republican committee, said, “We’re not making endorsements.”

He said not giving endorsements is in the committee bylaws and also is his personal stance on the issue.

Natali said the Republican committee would not hold its own debate.