epublican US Senate hopeful Jack E. Robinson yesterday accused Senator Edward M. Kennedy of ''racial paternalism'' for refusing to debate him, adding the Democrat was displaying the same ''character flaw'' of avoiding responsibility that he did at Chappaquiddick.
Robinson, in his sharpest personal attack on Kennedy to date, called on Massachusetts voters to run Kennedy out of office ''on a rail,'' saying the senator was proclaiming himself ''King Teddy'' and acting cowardly.
''It is no different than him running out today, just like he did 30 years ago running away from Chappaquiddick,'' Robinson told reporters in front of the State House. ''It seems to be a character flaw of his to run from responsibility.''
Kennedy aides said Tuesday that it was ''not practical'' for the busy 68-year-old senator, who is seeking his seventh term, to break away from his Senate duties for a campaign debate.
They said that when he returns to Massachusetts from Washington he wants to ''communicate directly with the voters.'' It is the first time since his 1962 election that Kennedy has refused to debate his opponents.
Robinson, a successful black businessman, raised the issue of race by claiming that Kennedy had always debated his white challengers.
''He has debated all his white opponents. Why won't he debate Jack Robinson?'' Robinson said. ''I dare say it is racial paternalism at its worst.''
He said he would participate in a debate only if Kennedy was involved. There are four other candidates running against Kennedy, including Libertarian Party nominee Carla Howell.
Aides said Kennedy was busy on Senate matters in Washington and unavailable for comment.
But Kennedy spokesman Will Keyser brushed aside the accusations. ''Other than to say his comments have no basis in fact or reality, I will refuse to dignify those comments with a response,'' Keyser said.
