Since debates are just soooo much fun (ha), the Mike Signer (see statement, issued a few minutes ago, in the comments section) and Jon Bowerbank campaigns (see Jon's statement, issued yesterday, also in the comments section) have both called for more of them in the Democratic lieutenant governor race. So far, it appears that Jody Wagner is adopting a classic frontrunner's strategy, which is to avoid debating when you're confident you're going to win. The questions are whether Wagner is correct in that assumption, and also whether the Signer or Bowerbank campaigns can force her to change that calculus. We'll see, but so far...[cue sound of crickets chirping].UPDATE: I just received a press release indicating that "Jody Wagner...had accepted an invitation to attend a fourth debate between the candidates for Lt. Governor, hosted by TV Inside Scoop in Northern Virginia." The debate will be held on May 10 at 6:30 PM at the Fairfax Public Access studios in Merrifield. The press release noted that "This will be the fourth time the candidates for Lt. Governor have debated."
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...Last week, the Signer campaign proposed a genuine “Lincoln-Douglas style” debate among the lieutenant governor candidates. Yesterday, the Jon Bowerbank campaign joined the Signer campaign in calling for such a dialogue.
ReplyDelete“I am glad that Jon wants to engage in real debates on the most critical issues facing our Commonwealth,” Mike said. “I’ve led the way in this campaign on the critical issues at every turn, and I’d be delighted to debate my opponents anytime, anywhere.”
Over five days after Mike led in calling for a real debate, the question is now this: is Jody Wagner willing to debate her opponents?
“We are still waiting for Jody to respond,” said Christian Rickers, campaign spokesperson. “I think we can all agree that the most important thing is to choose a nominee who's strong on the issues, who can defeat Bill Bolling this fall and who will use the office to be a public advocate not a placeholder or stepping stone. We need a nominee, like Mike, who understands that none of the much needed changes in Virginia will ever be possible without Democrats supporting, working hard for, and—most importantly—voting for progressive Democrats, especially in primaries.”
While continuing to wait to hear from the Wagner campaign, the Signer campaign looks forward to working with the Bowerbank campaign to discuss dates and terms of the debates.
Democratic Lieutenant Governor candidate Jon Bowerbank today challenged his primary opponents to a series of debates across Virginia, calling on his opponents to concentrate on issues that affect Virginians every day. Bowerbank's proposal requests debates in Southwest Virginia, Hampton Roads and Northern Virginia.
ReplyDelete"I spent last week, and the last 16 months, traveling around the Commonwealth talking about how to create jobs for Virginians and get our economy back on track. As Virginians are losing their jobs, unable to make their mortgage payments, unable to afford college tuition, and facing so many other challenges, I am focusing on these issues and I hope my opponents will join me in three debates to discuss the formidable challenges facing our Commonwealth. We need to get this election focused on the issues that make a difference in the lives of Virginians every day," Bowerbank said.