Republican gubernatorial nominee Winsome Earle-Sears declined the People’s Debate that was set to be hosted by AARP at Virginia State University. Soon after AARP made that announcement, the Earle-Sears campaign announced that they accepted a debate that would take place on CNN.
Virginia State University, an HBCU located on the border between Chesterfield and Petersburg, was set to host a presidential debate last year, but was unable to secure participation from the candidates.
Now, for a second year in a row, they are being skipped over again.
A source from the Earle-Sears campaign said that they could not participate in the People’s Debate due to a scheduling conflict.
There has been no set date for the CNN debate, however.
State Sen. Lasheresce Aird, D-Petersburg, commented in a statement to Virginia Scope.
“I represent the communities around Virginia State where Winsome Sears just bailed on debating Abigail Spanberger,” Aird said. “They were ready, deserved and were looking forward to it. Lt. Gov.r Sears and Gov. Youngkin talk a big game about Petersburg voters but now, when it counts, won’t show up.”
The Spanberger campaign commented on Earle-Sears declining the People’s Debate.
“Abigail formally accepted the statewide ‘People’s Debate more than a month ago with AARP Virginia, Virginia State University, WTVR-Richmond, WJLA-Northern Virginia, and WTKR-Norfolk — confirming her participation for September 16 at Virginia State University,” said Samson Signori, Spanberger’s campaign manager. “Unfortunately, her opponent declined to participate in this statewide debate.”
The Earle-Sears campaign said that she is not afraid to face voters in a statement on Wednesday evening.
“This debate is an opportunity for voters to see the difference between a leader with a clear plan and a career politician who would rather talk around the issues,” said Peyton Vogel, spokesperson for the Earle-Sears campaign. “The people of Virginia are watching, and the Lieutenant Governor is ready to deliver answers rooted in commitment and integrity that they can count on.”