This time around, debates slow to develop

The Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal, 9/10/7

Less than two months before the Nov. 6 general election, there has been little talk, at least publicly, about candidate debates in the eight statewide races.

At this stage of the process in previous elections, candidates – particularly underdogs – were holding news conferences to challenge their opponent to a series of debates.

Right now, there are no debates scheduled between Republican Gov. Haley Barbour and Democratic challenger John Arthur Eaves Jr. Neither are any planned for the open post of lieutenant governor where Republican Auditor Phil Bryant and Democratic state Rep. Jamie Franks are running.