Gubernatorial Debate Canceled as Democrat Bob Ferguson Withdraws

Washington State Attorney General Bob FergusonPhoto byWikimedia Commons

Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson won't debate former Republican U.S. Representative Dave Reichert live in the race for governor, the Washington State Debate Coalition announced on Thursday.

According to the coalition, Ferguson's withdrawal from the Oct. 11 event (which was to be held in Ellensburg) came despite months of non-stop communication with the Democrat's campaign. The event has now been canceled.

Seattle CityClub Executive Director Alicia Crank said the coalition continued to communicate with Team Ferguson as recently as this week when it sent the AG's campaign a reminder about the event on Wednesday.

“To say that I’m disappointed by this outcome would be an understatement,” said Crank. “Debates are a vital part of our civic fabric, providing both candidates with an equal opportunity to share detailed perspectives about policy issues.”

The Washington State Debate Coalition said in a Thursday press release it's been in contact with both Ferguson and Reichert since early spring. Team Ferguson did not explain the reason for its withdrawal, according to the coalition.

“In the end, it’s the voters who will miss out on hearing from the candidates and an open exchange of ideas,” said Crank. “We have always emphasized our history of hosting fair and balanced candidate debates in the name of advancing democracy and educating citizens about the candidates and policy issues impacting their daily lives."