McDonnell to Deeds: Let's have 10 debates

Bob McDonnell wants plenty of face time with Creigh Deeds this year.

The Republican gubernatorial nominee today challenged his Democratic rival for the office to a series of debates across Virginia.

If past precedent is an indication, McDonnell shouldn't hold his breath while awaiting a response.

Statewide candidates for office typically participate in a handful of debates. But there is usually at least one candidate who calls for more debates than are scheduled.

Just last month, Democratic lieutenant governor candidate Jody Wagner urged incumbent Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling, a Republican, to agree to a series of monthly debates. At the time, a Bolling campaign spokesman said the candidate will participate in an as yet to be determined number of debates.

So far, the candidates for governor have agreed to one debate: a forum hosted by the Virginia Bar Association at The Homestead resort in Hot Springs on July 25.

In addition to that event, McDonnell wants debates in Hampton Roads, Fairfax, Richmond, Roanoke, Southwest Virginia, Arlington, Charlottesville and Washington D.C.

A spokesman for Deeds said the campaign would issue a statement about debate plans later today.

UPDATE: Deeds spokesman Jared Leopold issued a statement Wednesday afternoon saying the candidate will face McDonnell in several forums, but didn't commit to a specific number of debates.

-- Julian Walker

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