NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WOKI / WVLT) – Tennessee’s race for governor is drawing attention over a disagreement about public debates after Democratic nominee Jerri Green formally challenged Republican nominee Marsha Blackburn to a series of face-to-face forums across the state.
In a letter to Blackburn’s campaign, Green proposed four debate dates in different regions of Tennessee and invited the Republican candidate to join her in addressing voters directly. Green’s campaign said the events would give Tennesseans an opportunity to hear from both candidates on issues affecting the state.
Green proposed the following debate schedule:
- Sept. 30 in Brentwood
- Oct. 3 in Nashville
- Oct. 9 in Memphis
- Oct. 16 in Knoxville
The campaign also said it would be willing to work around Blackburn’s schedule if those dates were not available.
“I have already held 170-plus public town halls in every corner of our state, and the question that comes up at every single stop is: ‘When will Marsha debate you?'” Green said in her letter.
Green argued that voters deserve unscripted opportunities to hear candidates answer questions and discuss their visions for Tennessee’s future.
“Voters are owed the answers to their questions from anyone running for the top job in the state,” Green wrote. “I will show up on these dates in these communities, with or without you.”
Blackburn Rejects Debate Invitation
When asked Thursday about the proposed debates, Blackburn made clear she would not participate.
“I am not going to give air to a socialist candidate who is running on trying to destroy the agenda of Tennessee, destroy the United States,” Blackburn said.
The Republican nominee characterized the race as one centered on competing visions for the state’s future and said her campaign is focused on highlighting those differences to voters.
“Our message is clear. This is a campaign about contrast,” Blackburn said. “We are not about tearing down our state and trying to start over.”
Debate Questions Follow Primary Campaign
The issue of debates also surfaced during the Republican primary campaign earlier this year.
Prior to Tennessee’s August primary election, Blackburn faced questions about whether she would participate in debates with fellow Republican candidates. During interviews, Blackburn said Republican candidates had appeared together at various forums around the state.
However, Blackburn’s primary opponents, Monty Fritts and John Rose, disputed that characterization and said the candidates had not participated together in public debate-style forums following Blackburn’s announcement for governor.
Election Season Continues
With Blackburn declining the invitation, it remains unclear whether any formal gubernatorial debates will take place before Election Day.
Green’s campaign has indicated she plans to continue appearing at town halls and public events across Tennessee, while Blackburn’s campaign continues emphasizing its message to voters through campaign stops and other appearances.
The November election will determine Tennessee’s next governor as voters choose between the Republican and Democratic nominees in one of the state’s most closely watched races.
