Opponents say Parnell a 'debate dodger' in gubernatorial race

May 26, 2010|by Lori Tipton

Ralph Samuels was at a recent gubernatorial debate in Fairbanks. (File/KTUU-DT)

ANCHORAGE, Alaska — Gov. Sean Parnell's Republican rivals are calling him a debate dodger.

Ralph Samuels and Bill Walker issued a joint statement accusing the governor of being unwilling to participate in public debates with fellow candidates.

According to Samuels and Walker, on Sunday during a debate in Fairbanks, Parnell delivered pre-recorded answers on video tape, and they say he allowed a state-paid official, Gene Therriault, to fill in for him.

With the upcoming Republican primary just a few months away, candidates are making frequent public appearances.

"This is the part where Alaskans really see the sort of differences between the different candidates," Walker said.

Walker says that out of five scheduled debates, Parnell has only appeared at two.

Walker and Samuels are accusing Parnell of intentionally limiting his appearances.

"I think it's a sign that he wants to stay out of this process and not engage in the process," Walker said.

The two say they won't stand for Parnell allowing state-paid officials to fill in for him during debates.

"If the governor wishes to no-show and dodge the questions and dodge the issues, that's his choice. But we certainly aren't going to say, 'Somebody else gets to speak on his behalf,'" Samuels said.

Campaign manager Michelle Toohey did not make the governor available for comment Wednesday, but did issue a written statement.

"This is just a silly attempt by Ralph and Bill to try to get some publicity. They both know the truth is that Governor Parnell has already appeared with his opponents in numerous debates and forums, and is scheduled to appear in several more," the statement said in part.

Toohey said that Parnell has a busy schedule that doesn't allow him to attend all the scheduled events.

Walker and Samuels say that's no excuse.

"Everybody's busy, we all have other things we are doing, but we all engage in the debates," Walker said.

Toohey said in the e-mail that Parnell could not attend the Fairbanks event because of a family trip and that Therriault attended the debate on his own and was not paid by the state to be there.

Contact Lori Tipton at ltipton@ktuu.com

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