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Morrisey, Williams agree to new debate

CHARLESTON — The Republican and Democratic candidates for governor of West Virginia have agreed tentatively to a new debate after a previously planned debate fell through.

Republican Attorney General Patrick Morrisey and Democratic Huntington Mayor Steve Williams have agreed to a debate hosted by WV MetroNews and moderated by Talkline host Hoppy Kercheval for Tuesday, Oct. 29, at 7 p.m.

A location was not announced, though sources close to the campaigns said the debate could be held on the campus of Fairmont State University.

The debate will also be broadcast live by MetroNews affiliates and live-streamed at wvmetronews.com.

“I’m excited for the chance to speak directly to the people of West Virginia and share my plans for improving our state,” Morrisey said in a statement. “This debate will be an important opportunity to highlight our proposals to cut taxes, create jobs, improve education, and help West Virginia compete better against the states we touch.”

“I am grateful for the opportunity to debate the critical issues facing our great state in front of the voters of West Virginia,” Williams said in a separate statement. “I believe every voter deserves to know where we stand and what kind of leadership we will bring to the governor’s office. I appreciate WV MetroNews and Hoppy Kercheval for providing this forum, and I look forward to a spirited and informative discussion.”

Morrisey, a three-term attorney general since taking office in 2013, won the Republican primary in May in a six-person race. Williams is in his third and final term as mayor of the state’s second largest city and was unopposed in his primary.

Jonathan Ewing, Morrisey’s campaign manager, said the debate will show off Morrisey’s accomplishments as the state’s top attorney and show a contrast between Morrisey’s goals and Williams’ platform.

“Patrick has spent years fighting for the people of West Virginia, standing up to federal overreach, cutting red tape, and delivering results.” Ewing said. “In this debate, voters will see the clear choice between a proven leader in Patrick Morrisey and a candidate who would bring more of the same liberal tax-and-spend policies that have driven people out of West Virginia.”

Williams said the debate will allow voters to compare and contrast his views with Morrisey’s as early voting continues that week and with Election Day one week after.

“This debate is a chance for us to have an open and honest conversation about the future of West Virginia, and I look forward to engaging with Patrick Morrisey on the topics that matter most to our citizens–jobs, healthcare, education, and building a brighter future for all West Virginians,” Williams said.

A debate between Morrisey and Williams was being planned for Wednesday, Oct. 30, and hosted by WOWK-TV/Nexstar. But that debate was canceled after the two campaigns could not come to an agreement on the format.

According to the latest MetroNews West Virginia Poll released at the end of August, 49% of respondents said they would vote for Morrisey, while 35% said they would vote for Williams, with 5% preferring another candidate and 11% unsure. Morrisey had a 41% favorable rating with respondents, with 35% having an unfavorable view and 25% were not sure. Williams had the lowest name recognition of the political leaders included in the West Virginia Poll, with a 25% favorable rating, an 18% unfavorable rating, and 57% not sure.

Other candidates for governor on the Nov. 5 ballot include Libertarian Party candidate Erika Kolenich, Mountain Party candidate Chase Linko-Hooper, and Constitution Party candidate S. Marshall Wilson.

Steven Allen Adams can be reached at sadams@newsandsentinel.com

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