July 14, 2010--Ivy, VA--The Perriello campaign said today it has agreed to a televised debate to which all three candidates on the ballot have been invited. The debate, produced by WDBJ7 in Roanoke, will allow 5th district voters the opportunity to learn about the candidates' positions on major issues facing Virginia and the nation. Although Sen. Robert Hurt has switched his position on his willingness to debate third-party candidate Jeffrey Clark, the Perriello campaign--joined by a chorus of 5th district editorial pages of all ideological stripes--is urging participation from both opponents. 

"There is no tradition more tried and true in our American democracy than the debate. Tom looks forward to informing the voters of his record of results, as well as to engaging with the other candidates about their ideas for how to improve competitive advantage in our local economy," said Lise Clavel, campaign manager for the Perriello campaign. "We urge Sen. Hurt and Mr. Clark to quickly agree to this debate so that 5th district voters may be best equipped to make an informed choice in November." 

Background

Charlottesville Daily Progress: Hurt says he won't debate independent candidate (June 18, 2010): http://www2.dailyprogress.com/cdp/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/...

Lynchburg News & Advance: Candidates should all participate in debates (June 25, 2010): http://www2.newsadvance.com/lna/news/opinion/editorials/article/candidat...

Charlottesville Daily Progress: 3 candidates, 3 debaters (June 23, 2010): http://www2.dailyprogress.com/cdp/news/opinion/op_ed/article/3_candidate...

Roanoke Times: Open debate to all candidates (June 22, 2010): http://www.roanoke.com/editorials/wb/251120