Why Won't Virginia Republicans Debate?

The entire slate of televised debates that were to be held has been scrapped. As I mentioned before, the League of Women Voters were arranging these debates in conjunction with the local cable company, Cox Communications. I understand the Democratic candidates were willing to tape but that the Republican candidates were not, even when given a number of different dates to choose from. - Vivian Paige

Other areas of Virginia should be concerned if this trend picks up steam in other races. It is inappropriate for candidates to "blame the venue" when declining to debate. It is inappropriate for candidates to use "scheduling conflicts" to avoid debates. In Virginia, the vast majority of offices up for election this year are legislative in nature. The very role these candidates will play in government is one of deliberation and debate. For legislators, public debates are job interviews, pure and simple. People who skip job interviews shouldn't get the job.

Everywhere we turn this year, one party is avoiding the people, while the other is engaging the people. From fundraising, to debates, to the simple act of governing itself, the Democratic Party and its candidates have been acting on behalf of the people, even while the Republicans do their best to mislead and avoid the people.

Of course, this is why we have elections.

[update] Vivian Paige has more details this morning.

(Crossposted from Leesburg  Tomorrow. With a tip-o-the-hat to Vivian Paige.)

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