More debatable behavior
With the presidential contenders not throwing down in North Carolina, might the Democrats who want to be the state's chief executive get their debate on? Yes, I think. From our friends at the Associated Press:
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — The two leading Democratic candidates for governor are ready to debate, but not in the same location.State Treasurer Richard Moore said Monday that he remains committed to a televised debate at the WRAL television studios on Tuesday in Raleigh. But Lt. Gov. Beverly Perdue accepted an invitation to meet in Durham at the WTVD studios.
During a news conference, Moore said Perdue should accept the WRAL invitation because it offers a larger audience. He pointed out that Perdue said a few weeks ago she would debate anytime and anywhere.
Perdue's campaign didn't immediately respond. But late last week it called on Moore to accept the WTVD debate.
Both candidates remain scheduled to participate in a forum Thursday night on public television.
That story was quickly followed by the following release from the Perdue camp:
Bev Perdue today released the following statement regarding debates:"Richard Moore has said that he would debate anytime, anywhere, but it's become clear that he does not intend to live up to those words.
"While I deeply appreciate WTVD's efforts and generosity, it is clear that for a debate to occur I will have to be the candidate who takes the first step forward.
"North Carolina's families want to know what I will do as Governor to make North Carolina a better place to live, and I look forward to discussing that in a debate tomorrow night at WRAL."
More to come, I think.