Republican gubernatorial nominee Tom Tiffany told “The Dan O’Donnell Show” on Tuesday that “one debate is sufficient,” signaling he will participate only in the already scheduled WISN-TV debate against Democrat David Crowley on Oct. 21.
“I think one debate will be sufficient to cover the issues in this race,” Tiffany said when asked about why he did not accept an invitation to the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association debate, which was canceled earlier Tuesday after failing to secure Tiffany’s commitment.
WISN 12 announced last week that both candidates had agreed to the Oct. 21 debate, which will air from 7 to 8 p.m. at Marquette University Law School’s Eckstein Hall. There will be no in-person audience. “Upfront” hosts Matt Smith and Gerron Jordan will moderate.
The debate will be carried on WISN in southeastern Wisconsin and on ABC affiliates statewide, including stations in Green Bay, Madison, Wausau, Eau Claire and La Crosse. It will also stream on wisn.com. The event falls two weeks before the Nov. 3 general election and one day after in-person early voting begins.
Other proposed debates, including one hosted by WTMJ-TV on Oct. 8, have not been accepted by both campaigns. Tiffany’s remarks Tuesday appear to close the door on additional joint appearances.
The Oct. 21 debate is now the only confirmed televised confrontation between the two major-party nominees in Wisconsin’s first open gubernatorial race since 2010.
