The Ohio Debate Commission said Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine has declined to participate in the commission’s primary debate later this month at Central State University.
“No reason was provided,” the commission said in a statement. “No other candidate has declined the Ohio Debate Commission’s invitation to participate.”
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DeWine’s campaign argues he’s the “most publicly accessible Governor in Ohio history.”
“Governor DeWine meets with constituents on a daily basis and regularly takes questions from the media. Ohioans know where he stands on the issues and that he is fighting and winning for them,” said Brenton Temple, manager for the DeWine-Husted campaign.
The debates are scheduled to involve U.S. Senate and Governor’s race on March 28 and 29.
“The Ohio Gubernatorial Republican primary debate will go on with the candidates who choose to participate and will be broadcast on TV and radio stations around the state to inform primary voters,” the commission said.
The Ohio Debate Commission is a non-profit organization that was established on 2018 “to foster fair and substantive debates that encourage participation in our democracy,” according to the group.
“We’re obviously disappointed. We convene these debates to help voters and, frankly, to help campaigns and candidates connect with voters across the state. We would welcome the Governor reconsidering this decision,” said ODC Board President Dan Moulthrop.
DeWine previous participated in the Ohio Debate Commission’s debate in 2018 when he was running against Democrat Rich Cordray for the open Governor’s seat.
The Ohio Debate Commission is a collaboration of civic organizations, media organizations and universities.