Warner should debate Gilmore on statewide TV

Candidates in major statewide elections have never quibbled over whether they would participate in the summer debate sponsored by the Virginia Bar Association.

Likewise, they treat the post-Labor Day debate hosted by the Fairfax Chamber of Commerce as an obligatory event on their calendars.

Both of those debates are staged at mid-day before private audiences of well-heeled lawyers and businessmen. Television crews attend, but only one or two stations commit to airing the full event, leaving most Virginians to read accounts in their local newspapers.

The predictable and tiresome "debate over debates" in each election is always over whether the candidates will meet for a third match broadcast live for viewing by a statewide audience. Public demand has prevailed in every major Virginia election since 1981, when gubernatorial candidates Charles Robb and Marshall Coleman sparred in a debate organized by political scientist Larry Sabato.

This year, Democrat Mark Warner has declined an invitation to a U.S. Senate debate sponsored by the League of Women Voters. He says his schedule is crowded and the League's RSVP by Aug. 25 was too early. He promises to consider other requests for televised debates.

It's time for Warner to stop noodling over his datebook and immediately accept at least one debate that can be broadcast live during prime time for a statewide audience. Candidates should give first priority to debates that are accessible to the largest number of voters and then squeeze in their appearances before more exclusive audiences.

Warner's reluctance is not surprising. Polls and financial reports show he is well ahead of Republican Jim Gilmore.

Front-runners are always less enthusiastic about debates for fear a slip could cost them the election. Even the most retiring candidate who finds himself eating his opponent's dust will do his best to land a few punches with the TV cameras rolling. Gilmore is a street fighter, and there is no doubt he'll arrive at any and all debates spoiling for battle.

But if Warner wants to run with the big boys and girls on Capitol Hill, he'll have to show he's big enough to take on Gilmore with voters across the state looking on. On that question, there should be no debate.