News-Record.com

I'm not familiar with the term "chilipunk'd," but it doesn't sound like something that ought to happen to a legitimate candidate for governor.

Meaning Mike Munger, a Duke poli sci prof and Libertarian candidate for governor.

He's been left out of the series of debates between Republican Pat McCrory and Democrat Bev Perdue.

Chilipunk'd, I guess.

The Libertarian Party, against all odds, has secured a place on the ballot this fall. Democrats and Republicans in this state stack the rules to make it very hard for third parties to compete.

This year, Libertarians collected enough signatures to qualify, but that won't do them much good if organizations holding debates exclude them.

As a qualified candidate, Munger ought to be given a place on the stage. Although Libertarian ideas have never appealed to a majority of voters, Munger is credible and interesting. He'd likely add some valid observations about foolish policies and mismanagement in state government. Voters deserve the chance to hear.

Having three candidates instead of two isn't going to clutter the stage. Munger shouldn't be chilipunk'd.