As Republican Greg Abbott backed out of plans to participate in a televised debate in Dallas with Democrat Wendy Davis on Friday — and later in the day, jumped back in with a different network — the campaigns escalated their sparring over the number of debates they should participate in before Election Day. Abbott and Davis are still scheduled to appear in a debate on Sept. 19 in McAllen.
A look back at gubernatorial races since 1982 shows that the leading general election candidates faced off in some televised format in every race over the past three decades until 2010. That's the year Gov. Rick Perry refused to debate former Houston Mayor Bill White.
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Comments (6)
Joe Kilfeather via Texas Tribune on Facebook
https://twitter.com/jasonwhitely/status/505476899879931904
Jody Hunsaker Haller via Texas Tribune on Facebook
It is no surprise that the Republicans have always been chickenshits when it comes to debating in this state. They prefer to keep their voters in the dark. Heaven forbid voters hear other solutions or perspectives! Rove wouldn't let Bush debate Ann Richards, either. Perry has always been reluctant and unsuccessful (oops!) when it comes to debates. And now Abbott is too scared to debate Davis (she proposed 6-8 debates). They have a lot in common. They owe it to the voters to debate.
Sandy Fambrough via Texas Tribune on Facebook
Guess we'll have to watch these since Greg Abbott weaseled out. He must know he can't win.
Kevin Pick via Texas Tribune on Facebook
Why won't you invite Kathie Glass for Texas Governor to the debates? Hmmm?
www.kathieglass.org
Thrifty Senior
Abbott refuses to accept any debate format which requires him to debate.
Rudy Gonzales
We are in the last throes of this election cycle. Greg Abbott and Dannie Goeb have yet to agree to debates worthy of our Texas! They run about the state fully confident they will take Texas!
On the national level it is well documented TEA-types and Republicans are responsible for shutting down the nation with Rafael Eduardo Cruz's filibuster, killing legislation for veterans and obstructing access to the voting booth! And Greg Abbott aligned himself with Ted "Pedophile" Nugent!
Blue is the color - It will not happen without your help! Get up! - Get out! - Get involved! - Get registered! - Vote Texas BLUE! Vote the nation BLUE!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VU4fqUbFf5o