He has told the Bay of Plenty Times in recent weeks: "I'm running hard to win and it's about doing my programme which is full. It's not as if the people of Tauranga won't have a chance to put the hard questions to me.
"I've had meetings and morning teas over the past three years and have invited every single senior citizen in the city. I'm having a series of street meetings every Saturday and there's ample opportunity for Tauranga folk to ask questions."
It certainly is an unusual approach by Mr Bridges not to take every opportunity to talk to voters.
It could be argued that an 11,742-vote at the last election could breed a sense of arrogance and reluctance to enter the cut and thrust of a local debate with his opponents.
But in this era of MMP when every party vote counts, Mr Bridges surely had an obligation to be out there discussing what National will and won't do in the next three years.
Interestingly, Bay of Plenty MP and fellow National party man Tony Ryall has also chosen to stay away from the debates.
One wonders if this is any sort of directive from head office?
But while questions can be asked about Mr Bridges' reluctance to front up to the debates, the approach on Saturday by his opponents crossed the line.
Mr Bridges and his followers gathered in Cherrywood for a question and answer sessions which is his right during an election campaign.
It is not the right of his opponents to take an anarchist approach and shout him down. Surely a better standard of behaviour is expected from people who want to be our leaders?
Let's hope this method of electioneering is not adopted throughout the country.
Candidates have the right organise meetings without fear of being gate-crashed by opponents.
