After getting hammered by his opponents for dodging debates, Alaska Gov. Sean Parnell's re-election campaign said on Tuesday that the governor will participate in a "full slate" of eight debates between now and the November general election, with the first debate set for later this month.
Parnell will debate at two Anchorage events in April, two in August in Fairbanks and Kodiak and four in October in Ketchikan, Soldotna, Fairbanks and Anchorage, his campaign said. Three of the debates will come before the Aug. 19 primary election, while the rest will come before the general election on Nov. 4.
Parnell's competition, independent candidate Bill Walker and Democrat Byron Mallott, have criticized the governor for not attending candidate forums and debates.
The Parnell campaign has said the governor would not debate until the Legislature ended its session, set for April 20, because of the urgent matters being discussed in Juneau. Nonetheless, Parnell has participated in fundraisers in Anchorage during the session.
Parnell's first debate with Walker and Mallott is set for April 28 at the Anchorage Chamber of Commerce.
Here are the debates Parnell has agreed to:
Primary election debates
General election debates
Contact Alex DeMarban at alex(at)alaskadispatch.com.