Del. Steve Landes said Thursday that he rejected a debate co-sponsored by WHSV Television 3 and The News Leader because of concerns of editorial fairness by The News Leader.
Landes was criticized by the campaign of his House 25 opponent, Democrat Greg Marrow, for refusing the debate.
“With just over a month before the election, citizens deserve every opportunity to compare the candidates together, and side by side,’’ the release said.
Landes said he does not believe The News Leader is unbiased in its editorial coverage.
“They will comment on something that happens in the news but they don’t run a news story or press release related to the editorial,’’ Landes said.
Roger Watson, publisher of The News Leader responded by saying: “The News Leader and Channel 3 offered Del. Landes an opportunity to debate his opponent and unfortunately he declined, but that is his prerogative to do so.”
Landes and Marrow debated at Kate Collins Middle School Sept. 24. That debate was co-sponsored by The News Virginian and NBC-29.
Landes also put out a press release late Thursday that detailed nine joint appearances the two candidates have made across the 25th District in recent months.
“Voters have already had many opportunities to hear both candidates,’’ Landes said. “And I am dedicated to make sure that this continues in forums that are open and fair.”
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