Branstad says running-mate debate ‘not necessary’

DES MOINES - Democratic gubernatorial challenger Jack Hatch said Monday that Iowans should be given the chance to evaluate the lieutenant governor candidates in a side-by-side format but Republican Gov. Terry Branstad is afraid of a running-mate debate before the Nov. 4 election.

Hatch said he favors having a debate between his running mate, Monica Vernon, and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds either via radio or television sometime in the next four weeks, but Branstad and his campaign have balked at that suggestion in an effort to protect or insulate Reynolds for some reason.

'If he doesn't want to do that, then I think it shows that either he doesn't think the lieutenant governor can handle a debate or that she's not ready to be governor,” Hatch said in an interview Monday.

'I know if we are elected, we will allow any challenger to debate Lt. Gov. Vernon and I don't need to protect her, I don't need to hide her from the rigors of a debate, and the governor has done that,” the Democratic challenger added.

However, during his weekly news conference Monday, Branstad told reporters that a running-mate debate is not necessary because he and Reynolds are running as a team. He said he and Hatch are meeting three times in face-to-face debates and that is 'an adequate number.”

Branstad said he and Reynolds have the same philosophy so there wouldn't be any change in the message whether he delivers it or Reynolds does.

Reynolds said the decision was made during the 2010 campaign not to have her debate and that is the campaign strategy again this year.

'Yes, we sat down and talked about it. The decision was made in 2010 and it was made with this election cycle. I'm comfortable with it,” Reynolds told reporters Monday. 'I travel to all 99 counties. Iowans have the opportunity to ask me every day where I stand on the issues.”

Branstad said 'I have confidence she would do great,” but Hatch said his GOP opponent has tried to manipulate the debate process by limiting the number of joint appearances and avoiding large media markets to the detriment of Iowa voters.

'I give more credit to the voters than apparently he does,” Hatch said. 'The lieutenant governor is a heartbeat away from running this state. People should know the quality of the person and the ability of the lieutenant governor. That is partially how voters make a decision by voting for the team.”