More than two weeks after Democratic gubernatorial candidate Richard Cordray challenged Republican Attorney General Mike DeWine to debate in Toledo, Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz and the Lucas County Board of Commissioners have criticized Mr. DeWine for refusing to meet his opponent in northwest Ohio.
“As elected leaders in northwest Ohio, we’re dismayed at Mike DeWine’s refusal to participate in a gubernatorial debate in our region. In each of the previous three debates, candidates were asked region-specific questions and included region-specific plans in their answers — requiring them to discuss issues directly impacting the lives of residents of northeast Ohio, southwest Ohio, and southeast Ohio,” they wrote in a news release.
“Toledo and northwest Ohio residents should be offered the same opportunity.”
It was signed by the mayor and commissioners Pete Gerken, Tina Skeldon Wozniak, and Carol Contrada, who are all Democrats.
“Northwest Ohioans deserve the right to have their specific issues addressed, including the future of safe drinking water, environmental issues with Lake Erie, and of course, our access to quality, affordable health care,” they wrote.
The gubernatorial candidates debated three times ahead of the Nov. 6 election, but never in northwest Ohio.
“The only people concerned about Richard Cordray having a fourth debate are Democrats who know most Ohioans aren't energized or excited about his candidacy,” said Joshua Eck, spokesman for Mr. DeWine’s campaign. “Both candidates agreed to three debates and this is just a PR stunt by a flailing campaign.”
The Blade offered to host a fourth debate. Mr. Cordray agreed to participate, while Mr. DeWine declined.
First Published October 24, 2018, 10:33 p.m.
