GOVERNOR'S RACE - DEBATES

Received the following on Monday:

BLACKWELL ACCEPTS STRICKLAND'S CHALLENGE TO DEBATE
"The frustrated Democrat said that any time Blackwell wants to debate face-to-face, he'll be ready." (Cleveland Plain Dealer, Wednesday, June 7, 2006)

COLUMBUS - Republican gubernatorial nominee Ken Blackwell today enthusiastically accepted Democrat Ted Strickland's challenge to debate. Last week, Strickland called for debates after the Democrat sent a policy advisor and his wife to address Ohio's university trustees. Blackwell shared his vision for higher education with the group personally.

Blackwell, attending another joint speaking engagement that Strickland declined, made the case for debates.

"Ted Strickland and I have very different approaches for addressing Ohio's enormous challenges," said Blackwell addressing the Ohio Hospital Association's Health Policy Luncheon and Forum. "These approaches are too important to be reduced to 30 second TV ads. If Ted will join me in a series of debates this summer, Ohioans will receive a real opportunity to access and compare our preparedness and competency to lead this great state."
"I am ready now," added Blackwell. "Let's begin."

Blackwell proposed the following dates, cities and times for the upcoming two weeks:

Thursday, June 15, Youngstown, 9 a.m. 10:30 a.m.
Monday, June 19, Cincinnati, 11:30 a.m. 1 p.m.
Tuesday, June 20, Columbus, 11 a.m. 12:30 p.m.
Wednesday, June 21, Columbus, 4 p.m. 5:30 p.m.
Thursday, June 22, Columbus, 1 p.m. 2 p.m.

Each week, Blackwell will issue a new list of proposed times and dates with the hope a few will accommodate Strickland's schedule. In addition, he invited Strickland to assign a team that will work with the Blackwell campaign to coordinate logistical issues.

THEN ON TUESDAY, I RECEIVED THIS:

STRICKLAND RETREATS FROM 'ANY PLACE, ANY TIME' CHALLENGE
Democrat Wants to 'Negotiate' Debates

COLUMBUS - Yesterday, Republican gubernatorial nominee Ken Blackwell accepted Democrat Ted Strickland's challenge to debate 'any time, in any place about the issues facing Ohio.' Strickland, campaigning in California, quickly retreated.
'He threw down the gauntlet, he threw down the hammer,' Blackwell told reporters Monday. 'I'm picking it up.' In addition, Blackwell proposed dates, cities and times for the upcoming two weeks.
Strickland campaign spokesman Keith Dailey backtracked from his boss's earlier boast, explaining he really didn't mean any place, any time. Dailey further clarified Strickland would have to 'negotiate' any debates and that former DNC Chair and campaign consultant David Wilhelm would do the negotiating.
What a difference a week makes.

THAT WAS STRICKLAND THEN

'I am willing to debate Mr. Blackwell at any time, in any place about the issues facing Ohio,' Strickland said. (Cincinnati Enquirer, Sunday, June 4, 2006)

'The frustrated Democrat said that any time Blackwell wants to debate face-to-face, he'll be ready.' (Cleveland Plain Dealer, Wednesday, June 7, 2006)

THIS IS STRICKLAND NOW

'Ted certainly believes it would be viable to debate this summer, if possible,' Dailey said. (Associated Press, June 12, 2006)

'Dailey said Strickland believes it would be 'ideal' to start the debates in the summer.' (Dayton Daily News, Tuesday, June 13, 2006)

Each week, Blackwell will issue a new list of proposed times and dates with the hope a few will accommodate Strickland's schedule.

Which is it Mr. Strickland, you in or out? I think this would a heck of debate, were people will finally see where each candidate stands on the issues.