Is Deeds afraid to debate Bob McDonnell?

Virginia gubernatorial candidate Bob McDonnell (R) invited Creigh Deeds (D) to debate a total of 10 times leading up to election day in November. After thinking about it for three weeks, Mr. Deeds said he was only willing to debate four times (one was the Virginia Bar Association debate at The Homestead that took place July 25). That leave three more over the next three months.

Yesterday Mr. McDonnell compromised and suggested the candidates "meet in the middle" and sound off face-to-face for seven debates including the Blogs United event that Mr. Deeds had previously turned down.

In a press release from the McDonnell campaign, it was learned the Deeds campaign responded to McDonnell through the Washington Post:

"Republican Bob McDonnell is pushing again for more debates, this time seven. Deeds communications director Mike Gehrke says, nah, we're good.

(Actually: "As far we're concerned, we've got what we're going to do." And, "Frankly, there are a couple of debates and forums we proposed that we're still waiting for them to accept." And, "The whole thing is just a distraction.")

McDonnell has already agreed to the four debates proposed by the Deeds campaign. The list includes the Virginia Bar Association debate which has already taken place.

In response to Deeds' adamant refusal to participate in additional debates McDonnell Director of Communications J. Tucker Martin remarked, "This is a truly unfortunate position taken by Creigh Deeds. With unemployment rising, and Virginians facing daily challenges, this is a gubernatorial campaign that demands candidates speak directly with the voters, together, as often as possible. We've already had one debate, non-televised, on a Saturday morning in Creigh's home county. Creigh's refusal to agree to a compromise schedule of debates means there will be only 3 real debates over the next 90 days. In contrast Creigh participated in 5 debates in just one month during the Democratic primary."

Martin continued, "In tough times like this voters expect more out of their candidates for governor. They should come together to take the tough questions and make clear where they stand on the issues of the day. That's what leaders do. They certainly don't want to hear a gubernatorial campaign call public discourse a "distraction." We need real debates, in every region of the state, for all voters to see. It is very disappointing that Creigh Deeds does not agree."

I'm surprised that the Deeds campaign considers the request for additional debates "a distraction." That is truly puzzling.

Bob McDonnell for Governor 2009