HUNTINGTON – Democratic gubernatorial nominee Steve Williams has issued a formal challenge to Republican opponent Patrick Morrisey to a public debate to discuss the issues facing West Virginia and its citizens.
Morrisey said he is ready to debate.
In issuing the challenge September 12, Williams highlighted the “critical need” for voters to hear from the candidates directly on the most pressing issues such as public safety, education, economic development and the opioid epidemic that continues to devastate West Virginia.
Morrisey
| Courtesy photo
“West Virginians deserve a leader who isn’t afraid to answer tough questions,” said Williams, who is Huntington’s mayor. He said he believes public debate is the best way for voters to make an informed decision.
Morrisey agreed.
“There will be some discussions in the days and weeks ahead, and I look forward to it because I think there’ll be a real contrast in terms of experience and vision,” Morrisey said during a September 13 appearance on WAJR radio in Morgantown.
“And so I think that’s (public debate) important. So I’m excited about it, and we’re going to have a discussion with some people, and let’s see what happens in terms of timing of it. But we definitely are engaged, and I think I can say fairly safely there will be a debate.”
There are no details about the possible debate. No date, moderator or venue has been selected.
Morrisey campaign manager Jonathan Ewing echoed his boss’ comments.
“Patrick Morrisey has always made it clear he will debate and discuss his strong record of fighting for West Virginians,” Ewing said in a press release. “Our campaign looks forward to showing voters the clear contrast between Patrick’s bold vision for the Mountain State and a politician tied to the failed policies of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris.”
In a recent MetroNews poll, Morrisey maintained a 49-35 lead in the contest. The other 16 percent had no preference or named another candidate.
Others running for the seat currently held by Republican Jim Justice are Libertarian Party candidate Erika Kolenich, Constitution Party candidate Marshall Wilson and Mountain Party candidate Chase Linko-Looper.
Kolenich, an attorney from Buckhannon, says she should be allowed to take part in the debate as well.
“It has been over a decade since the duopoly has permitted a third-party candidate to the gubernatorial debate,” Kolenich said in a September 12 press release. “If a candidate is qualified to be on the ballot for governor, they should be heard. Now is the time, West Virginia!”
During his radio appearance, Morrisey said third-party candidates should be allowed to take part in a debate if they have enough voter support.
“If you’re drawing a certain number in the polls because otherwise things get pretty unwieldy,” Morrisey said Friday. “Look, if someone’s drawing 15 percent of the vote, yeah they should probably participate. But you know, you want to focus. If you have an hour, hour and a half, you want to focus on the folks who are going to be the most likely choices.”
The general election is November 5.
