Idaho Gov. Brad Little said Friday he won’t participate in debates heading into next month’s Republican primary.
The first-term governor had been invited to participate in debates put on by Idaho Debates on Idaho Public Television and another put on by KTVB-TV. Little put out a statement touting his accomplishments in cutting red tape, tax relief and investment in education, saying quote, “Those historic accomplishments and facts are non-debatable.” Little has drawn several Republican challengers, including far-right Lt. Gov. Janice McGeachin. The governor and lieutenant governor run on separate tickets. Little has a significant fundraising advantage, and debating McGeachin in a statewide televised debate could give her a big platform with not much to gain for himself.
After Little’s announcement, Idaho Debates officials said it was unclear if the governor’s debate will be held without Little, and they were conferring with other candidates. They said it was the first time in more than three decades that a sitting governor seeking reelection had declined to participate.
In related news, Republican state Rep. Priscilla Giddings Friday also backed out of a lieutenant governor debate against House Speaker Scott Bedke that had been set for Monday. Idaho Debates officials said Giddings had previously committed to the debate, as had Bedke. Giddings, however, required her preapproval of reporter panelists, citing her concerns they would be biased. But Idaho Debates officials said they don’t reveal reporters on a panel to any candidate in advance.
Idaho Debates are a collaboration between the Idaho Press Club, Idaho Public Television, the League of Women Voters of Idaho and Idaho’s public universities. (Lewiston Tribune)
