Debate duckers lose: Underdogs get free air time

Because Gov. Bill Richardson and U.S. Rep. Steve Pearce are trying to duck debates, an Albuquerque television station is giving their opponents free air time tonight.

Republican gubernatorial candidate John Dendahl and Democratic congressional candidate Al Kissling each have a half hour to share their views on KOB-TV. The broadcast begins at 7 p.m.

The move comes after Richardson and Pearce declined invitations from the station to debate. Kudos to the station for standing up to politicos who think they don’t have to debate their opponents. This will give voters throughout the state a chance to see their opponents in action.

Richardson and Pearce don’t want their spin challenged. Now their opponents get free time to share their spin, unchallenged.

Unfortunately, people living in Doña Ana County don’t have access to KOB-TV. We’re in the El Paso market. Because of that, I’ve requested that the station share video of its forum with me to broadcast on this site. I’ll let you know when I get an answer.

You can, however, e-mail the station with questions for the candidates at news@kobtv.com with a subject line of DEBATE_QUESTION. You can also check the station’s Web site later tonight. It might have a report on the forum.

Because Kissling will be in Albuquerque, he won’t be able to attend the League of Women Voters forum tonight in Las Cruces.