HARTFORD, CT — Republican and Independent Party nominee for Governor Sen. Ryan Fazio called today for a minimum of six debates with Ned Lamont, including at least two held before early voting begins. The Lamont campaign has so far agreed to just two debates, both scheduled after Connecticut voters have already started casting ballots.
The Fazio campaign’s internal polling shows a competitive race and growing dissatisfaction with the direction of the state. The poll found that 57% of voters believe it is time for someone new, while Fazio’s support increases significantly after voters hear more about both candidates and their records. The campaign says the numbers make it even more important for voters to hear directly from both candidates before casting their ballots.
“The numbers show this race is close, and the Governor’s continual rejection of debates shows that he knows it too,” said Sen. Ryan Fazio. “It would be a disservice to the voters of Connecticut to ask them to start casting their ballots before we’ve even had a debate. They deserve the chance to hear directly from both candidates, side by side, on the issues that affect their lives. Ned Lamont has had eight years to lead this state, and voters deserve answers about his record and the challenges Connecticut families are facing today. If he can defend that record, he should have no problem debating me. I’m ready to have that conversation.”
Fazio’s campaign has received and accepted debate invitations from a joint WFSB/CT Insider debate, NBC30, a joint debate hosted by Fox61 and the Hartford Business Journal, WTNH/Connecticut Conference of Municipalities, Sacred Heart University and Fairfield University as well. Fazio is calling for an additional debate on radio to round out a total of six.
Governor Lamont has rejected at least two debates — including a joint debate hosted by Fox61 and the Hartford Business Journal.
Institutions such as Fox61 and the Hartford Business Journal are respected across Connecticut, each adding value to the civic process by hosting a debate between the two candidates before voters head to the polls. For the Lamont campaign to refuse to engage in that process and shun these institutions before voters head to the polls would damage the strength of Connecticut’s civic process.
Connecticut’s gubernatorial race has already drawn attention for the tone of the campaign. Stephen Henriques, a policy advisor to Governor Lamont, along with Yale School of Management’s Steven Tian and Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, have publicly called this race “a model of how American politics should work.” To keep that true, Gov. Lamont should embrace civil debate for the benefit of the entire public.
The polling memo can be read here.