Debate Dynamics: Hobbs and Biggs Accuse Each Other of Dodging Forums
In the heated Arizona gubernatorial race, current Governor Katie Hobbs and her campaign team are accusing Congressman Andy Biggs of avoiding debates, a claim he similarly levels at her.
As the Republican primary draws near, four candidates are vying for the nomination to challenge Hobbs in the upcoming November elections. Among these candidates, Andy Biggs stands out as a frontrunner, but his absence from a recent candidate forum hosted by Sun City West Republicans has drawn criticism from Hobbs’ campaign.
“Basement Biggs skipped the Sun City West Republican forum, the second debate he’s skipped after ducking out on a televised PBS candidate forum,” Copper State Victory said in a press release on Friday, citing an article by the Sun City West Independent.
Copper State Victory, the campaign organization supporting Hobbs, Attorney General Kris Mayes, and Secretary of State Adrian Fontes, has been vocal in its criticism of Biggs. However, the narrative is disputed by Biggs’ camp.
According to a staff member, Grant Stieber, Biggs had intended to join the forum but withdrew due to a scheduling issue, a statement contradicted by his spokesperson Drew Sexton, who maintains that Biggs never confirmed his attendance.
Linda Barnes, vice president of the forum organizers, also clarified, “Andy never committed and never said they would be there,” in an email.
Meanwhile, Hobbs herself has not participated in any debates or candidate forums this election cycle, and notably, she avoided debating her Republican opponent, Kari Lake, in the previous election cycle.
In contrast, Biggs has shown his willingness to engage in debates, having participated in a debate with his Republican rivals organized by the Arizona Citizens Clean Elections Commission on June 17. Additionally, he has been active in other forums, including those hosted by the Legislative District 27 Republicans and the Palo Verde Republican Women.
Sexton stated, “We’re done with forums now that early voting has started and ballots have been mailed out. We’re focused on taking our message of defeating Katie Hobbs directly to Republican voters at their doorsteps.”
Michael Beyer, spokesperson for Hobbs’ campaign, indicated that the debate issue should be addressed “after the primary.” Beyer remarked via email, “While Gov. Hobbs is out talking to voters and press across the state, Andy Biggs is hiding from forums, debates, and the press.”
Both Hobbs and Biggs have been engaging with the media through several press interviews this year.
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