OPINION:
The Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce and NBC 4 will host a Virginia gubernatorial debate in September — but will it be an actual debate?
As it stands, many of Terry McAuliffe’s and Ken Cuccinelli’s campaign donors are from out of state, including heavy hitters Hillary Rodham Clinton and the Republican Governors’ Association, respectively. In addition, GreenTech, a company formally chaired by Mr. McAuliffe, has been linked to a federal investigation. Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli, who claims the moral high ground, initially failed to disclose thousands of dollars in financial gifts, which in my opinion, is ethically questionable for an attorney general.
The question is, will the debate moderator ask the tough questions others have avoided? These might include who these men will represent if elected — will it be Virginians or the politically connected? Also, why haven’t the debate hosts invited Libertarian Robert Sarvis to participate? Mr. Sarvis will be on the ballot alongside Mr. Cuccinelli and Mr. McAuliffe, so why should he not be on stage, too?
Perhaps the reason for Mr. Sarvis’ absence is simple. Maybe the Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce and NBC 4 are preparing to be part of the aforementioned politically connected. If not, their integrity is at stake, because Virginia and the nation will be watching.
MICHAEL DALE HELM
Bealeton, Va.
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