You know it's campaign season when the candidates start squabbling over debates.
Democratic gubernatorial candidate Gaye
Symington sent out a press release this morning calling on Republican Gov. Jim Douglas to debate her in every county of the state this fall. And she proposed a format -- called the
cumulative time debate -- that has been used in elsewhere. The idea is to let the candidates debate among themselves, but have neutral parties make sure everyone gets an equal amount of time for their say.
The problem -- and with debate negotiations, there is almost always a problem -- is that
Symington's staff sent the new release out about the debate "invitation" before sending any request to the Douglas campaign. And Anthony
Pollina, the Progressive Party candidate for governor, wasn't copied either. He also wasn't mentioned in the news release.
So if there were (are) going to be negotiations, they have gotten off on the wrong foot.
Oh well, at least the debate on debates is starting early.
Here are some questions that the public should answer -- before the candidates lock in on debate schedules and formats. What would be helpful? Should there be lots of debates, a few that are widely broadcast? Should debates focus on different topics or all span the waterfront? What topics are worth debating in the gubernatorial race?
-- Nancy
Remsen