There may not be a gubernatorial debate this year after all because Gov. Bill Richardson doesn’t want a lot of people seeing it.
Richardson had tentatively agreed Monday to one debate at Congregation Albert in Albuquerque on Oct. 15, but insisted that the debate not be televised. When his Republican opponent, John Dendahl, wouldn’t budge on the television issue, the debate fell through.
Richardson’s campaign manager, according to the Albuquerque Tribune, said Dendahl would launch negative attacks rather than focusing on the issues, and said such attacks would be a disservice to viewers.
“The governor debating at the U.N. or with a world leader for the release of a hostage is different from somebody who had made it clear that his intent is negative attacks that bring down the state,” said Richardson campaign manager Amanda Cooper.
Richardson agreed to several televised debates against Republican John Sanchez in 2002. This year, two Albuquerque television stations have offered to host televised debates, and Dendahl has agreed to both.
The reality is that “the state” benefits from debates viewed by its voters, no matter what Cooper says. Debates, even those that include negative attacks, are a healthy part of any democracy.
President Bush and Republican leaders in Washington have often discouraged debate on Iraq and terrorism. Richardson is doing the same here, though I suspect he would decry Bush for doing it.
It’s Richardson’s presidential hopes that would be affected by a televised debate. Negative attacks could hurt Richardson’s chances of reaching the so-called magic 60 percent of the vote in November that he would use to claim overwhelming support in New Mexico.
Unless Richardson budges on the television issue, it’s likely that there won’t be any debates. Blogger Mario Burgos recently took amateur video of the debate between U.S. Rep. Heather Wilson, R-N.M. and her challenger, Democrat Patricia Madrid, after Madrid refused to allow the debate to be televised, and posted it on his Web site.
Richardson’s people realize this. If they don’t want video of a debate to exist, in the 21st century, they can’t have a debate.
They’re looking to blame Dendahl. Their argument is bogus. Don’t buy it.
There may not be a gubernatorial debate this year after all because Gov. Bill Richardson doesn’t want a lot of people seeing it. 
3 Comments:
Don't buy it? Come on, Heath.
In the current climate of "one party rule" in the United States, what Richardson is doing is exactly the kind of stuff Democrats need to do to rebalance our political system.
You know as well as the rest of us that Dendahl's candidacy is just a facade--he has no realistic belief he will win the governorship. All he is doing is acting as the former Republican Party head hack, wanting free airtime to take Limbaugh & Hannity-style low blow attacks on Richardson in hopes he can damage his future chances of running for President.
We would get no real benefit out of a "debate" between these two. All but the most extreme ends of the political spectrum of voters are sick to death of substance free, partisan-based straw man arguements.
The voters would be better off seeing Richardson interviewed in depth (on TV) by a tough, fair and legitimate news reporter on topics that are of concern to all the citizens of New Mexico, including some important criticisms of or problems that have occurred during his tenure.
You know, when the playground bully cheats, you playing by all the goody two shoes rules only gets you a black eye.
Excellent post from the previous blogger. If and when the Repbulican Party of NM finds a legitimate candidate for Governor, then I will be the first person to scream for as many debates as possible, including one here in Las Cruces!
Dendahl has no plan about how to make the State of New Mexico a better place for it's citizens. All he lists on his website as campaign issues are: Education, the Right to Choose; and Israel?
As a New Mexican there are plenty of other issues that need to be addressed. When he does that, then maybe there should be a valid debate about moving New Mexico forward.
Dendahl is the epitome of current journalists. His background clearly indicates his inability to succeed in Government and in Politics, leaving him a small opportunity to become a Rush Limbaugh wannabe.The idea that he could stand on the same stage with our Governor and offer any constructive commentarythat would benefit the citizenry of any state is ludicrous.
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