UI: Candidates Should Foster Debate

Idaho voters looking to make an informed decision about candidates for this year’s race for governor and House representative will now have less information with which to cast their vote. Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter announced Monday by e-mail that he has canceled plans to debate his Democratic opponent, Keith Allred, in Lewiston Oct. 7. Debbie Field, Otter’s campaign manager, had given verbal confirmation to the Lewiston Tribune in July that he would participate in the debate. No explanation was given for the cancelation, and Field did not immediately return calls for comment. Otter does have three other debates scheduled with Allred, though it could be called into question now whether they will happen or not. Rep. Walt Minnick, of Idaho’s First District, also canceled a debate against opponent Raul Labrador. He is scheduled for only one other debate/ University of Idaho Argonaut Editorial. More here .

Question: Are you surprised that Demo Walt Minnick is playing the same game that top Repub politicians are known for — sidestepping a debate w/an underdog foe?