More debate about gubernatorial debates

Media outlets have firmed up two debates in the West Virginia Governor’s race, but now there’s some discussion about additional debates.

The United Mine Workers union and the West Virginia State Building and Construction Trades Council teamed up to offer a third debate that would focus on labor issues such as right-to-work, prevailing wage, workplace safety, job creation and the economy.

Democrat Jim Justice quickly accepted the invitation, but it’s important to note that Justice has a lot of labor support. At least nine labor organizations, including the UMWA are backing Justice over Republican Bill Cole.

The Cole campaign believes it would be walking into a hornet’s nest because he pushed through right-to-work and a repeal of prevailing wage during the last legislative session—two key issues for labor. “To go to a forum with organizations that have already endorsed our opponent—that probably is not going to be a fair debate and I don’t think it would be a worthy discussion for voters,” said Cole campaign spokesman Kent Gates.

Steve White, director of the Affiliated Construction Trades union, however, promised an objective debate. “We would certainly respect both candidates,” White said on Talkline Tuesday.  “We’re not looking for a fight; we’re looking for information.”

Cole’s reluctance is understandable, given the acrimony created over right-to-work and prevailing wage, but appearing in a potentially hostile setting also shows backbone. If the crowd and questioners are too tough on him, Cole then becomes a sympathetic figure.

Meanwhile, the Business and Industry Council, which supports Cole, points out that Justice has refused to attend any of the five regional forums it’s holding, where both candidates have been invited and only Cole has shown up.  “We thought it was a good opportunity for them (the two candidates) to distinguish themselves from one another,” said BIC Chairman Chris Hamilton.

But clearly the Justice campaign is wary of BIC because of its backing of Cole, as well as predominantly Republican candidates.  “BIC is a special interest group that’s been propping up Bill Cole since the campaign started. We accepted this third debate to hear directly from working families and their issues of concern,” said Justice campaign spokesman Grant Herring.

Just as Cole might benefit from risking the union debate, Justice could potentially win some friends with the BIC appearances. After all, he’s a businessman and BIC is comprised of more than 60 trade associations and businesses. Hamilton says BIC has members that support Justice.

However, campaigns are, among other things, about not making mistakes or putting your candidate in a position to fail.  Labor, BIC and everyone else interested in the outcome of this critical race could benefit from more debates, forums and joint appearances, but it’s unlikely that will happen.





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