Gov. Brown agrees to five debates; first in Bend Sept. 24

Gov. Kate Brown said Thursday she’s agreed to five gubernatorial debates to be held in Bend, Portland, Eugene and Medford.

“Speaking with voters across the state, Governor Brown will address the issues most important to Oregonians,” she said in an announcement.

“I’m proud of all that we’ve gotten done in just a year and a half. And, there is much more work to do – for families, for our environment and for better government,” Brown said. “I’m looking forward to traveling across our state and sharing my vision for how we will move Oregon forward, together.”

Brown will participatein the following debates:

September 24
Bend
Sponsored by:Society of Professional Journalists, The East Oregonian, Jefferson Public Radio and KTVZ-TV

September 30
Portland
Sponsored by:Portland City Club

October 6
Eugene
Sponsored by:League of Women Voters and Oregon Public Broadcasting

October 13
Medford
Sponsored by: KOBI-TV and KOTI-TV

October 20
Portland
Sponsored by:KGW-TV and The Oregonian

Proposals for additional debates, forums or appearances are welcome and evaluated on a rolling basis, the governor said.

Here’s Republican candidate Bud Pierce’s response to her announcement:

After Gov. Kate Brown initially missed the ONPA debate in July, and originally signaled she would like to limit the amount of debates she would participate in, we are happy the governor has accepted 5 debate invitations.

“I’m glad the governor now feels ready to be in front of the people,” said Bud Pierce. “Throughout the entire campaign, I’ve told voters that I will attend any debate at any time and have accepted every single debate invitation I’ve received, since I believe debates are very important.”

Beyond these five debates, Bud has accepted three additional debate invitations and is anxiously awaiting the governor’s decision on these debates.