PORTLAND -- The campaigns of John Kitzhaber and Chris Dudley cannot agree on a date to a live debate aired statewide on KGW and covered in the Oregonian, the state's largest daily newspaper.
KGW / Oregonian joint statement
In a news release, Kitzhaber's camp fired off, "Dudley refuses to debate."
Dudley's campaign denies that and claims that they reached out to the Kitzhaber campaign on at least six different occasions.
So what's at stake?
"Debates early in the season, voters aren't paying attention. Later in the cycle it makes a difference in the voter's mindset, " said Republican strategist Tim Phillips.
Both Dudley and Kitzhaber say they want to face-off.
"Our position is that we want to debate early and often. We announced seven debates and the Dudley campaign never responded, " said a Kitzhaber spokesperson.
That isn't true, according to Dudley's camp.
"Kitzhaber claimed he would essentially debate Dudley anytime, anyplace, anywhere. We look forward to seeing Kitzhaber at the four debates we agreed to," said a Dudley spokesperson.
Phillips says the Kitzhaber campaign isn't telling the truth.
"I think it's disingenuous of Kitzhaber's campaign to suggest that Dudley doesn't want to debate. He is running radio ads announcing a series of debates."
But Democratic insider Len Bergstein says voters may question Dudley's lack of experience in a political face-off.
"At some point, some voters will say, is he (Dudley) capable of debating on issues? That will be his biggest challenge."
Bergstein also says debates can be dangerous because candidates can make mistakes.
"You're waiting for the car crash, for the mistake, the gaffe. It can change the complexion of the race."
Political history nationwide and in Oregon is littered with examples.
In the John F. Kennedy and Richard Nixon debate, Kennedy appeared handsome and Nixon worn down. Lloyd Bentsen humiliated Dan Quayle.
Bob Packwood showed energy and vigor in the Oregon senatorial campaign against Wayne Morse in the late 60s.
