Following Lieutenant Governor Northam’s release of his limited debate schedule, Gillespie campaign manager, Chris Leavitt, released the following statement:
“Lieutenant Governor Northam’s accepting of only three debates is not just insulting to Virginians, but also a clear indication of the shadow campaign he intends to run, ducking the tough questions and the biggest stages. That’s not the kind of leadership Virginia needs, nor deserves. While the Lieutenant Governor has decided not to come take questions from voters and media in various parts of the state, Ed remains happy to do so.”
In June, Gillespie accepted invitations to 10 gubernatorial debates including:
1. Virginia Bar Association Debate
2. WRIC-TV, WAVY-TV, WHAG-TV, and WFXR-TV Debate
3. Governor Doug Wilder Debate
4. The Center for Rural Virginia Debate
5. UVA Batten School and Southwest Virginia Technology Council Debate at UVA-Wise
6. Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce Debate
7. Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce Debate
8. Virginia Tech and WDBJ-TV Debate
9. Radio One & Miss Community Clovia Debate
10. Liberty University Debate
Gillespie accepted the following forum and joint speaking opportunities:
1. Listening Forum Hosted By The McShin Foundation
2. Virginia Association of Commonwealth’s Attorneys Forum
3. Virginia Transportation Construction Alliance Annual Meeting
4. Virginia Association of Counties Meeting
5. NoVIE and Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce’s Nonprofit Executive Roundtable
6. ChamberRVA Board Meeting
7. Agriculture and Forestry Gubernatorial Candidate Forum
8. The Business Council of the Roanoke-Blacksburg Region Breakfast Forum
9. VIRGINIAforever Bridge Builder Dinner
10. 2017 Conference on World Trade hosted by the Virginia Chamber of Commerce