5th District debate called off

By Angela Hatcher
WSLS10 Reporter/Anchor
Published: October 1, 2008

Charlottesville NBC affiliate WVIR-TV cancelled the 5th district congressional debate it planned to host next Tuesday after Congressman Virgil Goode said he can’t make it.

Democratic challenger Tom Perriello says his campaign has been working with the station for months on scheduling the debate. 

“We said from the very first day name the time, name the place and we’ll get there.“  Perriello told us on the phone Wednesday night.  “We adjusted it several times to make sure Congressman Goode could lock it in.“

Goode told us on the phone he received a letter from WVIR asking him to participate in the debate but did not respond.  Goode says he was already scheduled to appear at a fundraiser when the request was made.

“I want to do another debate I can’t do it when they want me to do it.“,  said Goode. 

WVIR News Director Neal Bennett tells us he felt he had a strong verbal commitment on the date from Goode campaign manager Tucker Watkins.  Watkins tells us October 7 was never confirmed.

Goode tells us any date would have to be confirmed by him, not by anyone on his staff.

Both candidates tell us they want another debate.  Bennett tells us the station is trying to secure a date that works for both candidates.