Deeds Refuses Debate Compromise

RICHMOND- Yesterday Bob McDonnell offered to compromise on the number of debates to be held in the Virginia gubernatorial campaign. In early July McDonnell called for 10 real debates. The Deeds campaign, after a delay of three weeks, returned with a proposal for 4 real debates. McDonnell offered to split the difference with a “meet in the middle” compromise that would commit the candidates to 7 real debates over the next 3 months. 

This morning The Washington Post reported the response of the Deeds campaign:

“Republican Bob McDonnell is pushing again for more debates, this time seven. Deeds communications director Mike Gehrke says, nah, we’re good. (Actually: “As far we’re concerned, we’ve got what we’re going to do.” And, “Frankly, there are a couple of debates and forums we proposed that we’re still waiting for them to accept.” And, “The whole thing is just a distraction.”

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/virginiapolitics/2009/08/daily_virginia_roundup_1.html#comments

McDonnell has already agreed to the four debates proposed by the Deeds campaign. The list includes the Virginia Bar Association debate which has already taken place.

In response to Deeds’ adamant refusal to participate in additional debates McDonnell Director of Communications J. Tucker Martin remarked, “This is a truly unfortunate position taken by Creigh Deeds. With unemployment rising, and Virginians facing daily challenges, this is a gubernatorial campaign that demands candidates speak directly with the voters, together, as often as possible. We’ve already had one debate, non-televised, on a Saturday morning in Creigh’s home county. Creigh’s refusal to agree to a compromise schedule of debates means there will be only 3 real debates over the next 90 days. In contrast Creigh participated in 5 debates in just one month during the Democratic primary.

Martin continued, “In tough times like this voters expect more out of their candidates for governor. They should come together to take the tough questions and make clear where they stand on the issues of the day. That’s what leaders do. They certainly don’t want to hear a gubernatorial campaign call public discourse a “distraction.” We need real debates, in every region of the state, for all voters to see. It is very disappointing that Creigh Deeds does not agree.”