Since the Virginia governor's race heated up months ago, Jerry Kilgore has had the "its my way, or I will take my ball and go home" mentality with regard to debates. Most recently, Kaine and Kilgore had a debate (a) in West Virginia, (b) not-televised, and (c) without Potts. Kilgore thought he had finally Potts factor when Larry Sabato gave Potts a "qualified" invitation to an October debate, saying that if Potts can reach 15% in polls he could participate. Clearly, Kilgore refused to participate if Potts was included. But, he felt safe that Potts would not reach 15% and agreed to the compromise.
Then Kaine and Potts got their own ball and decided if Jerry wanted to take his and go home, then so be it.
Lt. Governor and Democratic gubernatorial candidate Tim Kaine today announced that Senator Russ Potts has accepted his offer to meet for a debate of the issues immediately following the Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce Gubernatorial debate on September 13th.?Virginians deserve to hear all of the gubernatorial candidates discuss the issues side by side,? Kaine said. ?In the interest of ensuring that Virginians get that chance, I?ve offered to Senator Potts the opportunity to have that debate.?
Kaine is scheduled to meet Jerry Kilgore at the Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce debate on September 13th. Kaine has said that while he encourages the inclusion of Senator Potts in debates, it is ultimately the decision of debate sponsors. The Fairfax County Chamber has a long tradition of inviting just the major party nominees to participate in its debates.
?I respect and will honor the rules established by the debate sponsors,? Kaine said. ?There has been some internal discussion in recent days at the Chamber as to whether or not Russ Potts should be included. I will participate either way. But I look forward to debating the issues with both of my Republican opponents that day. Virginians deserve no less.?
Kaine is extending to Jerry Kilgore the same offer to join him and Senator Potts after the Fairfax Chamber debate.
Details on the Kaine-Potts debate will be released as soon as they are available.
This is a clever move by the Kaine campaign. What will Kilgore do now? Continue as planned and look like a spoiled kid or abandon his previous position and let Potts debate?