During the time slotted for a televised debate last night, Tom Perriello had all the time he wanted for an opening statement, closing statement and all the questions in between.
What he didn’t have was an opponent. Last week, U.S. Congressman Virgil Goode canceled the debate, which was in the works since April and would have aired live on NBC29 as well as a Lynchburg station, saying that he had a scheduling conflict.
So Perriello, Goode’s Democratic challenger for the Fifth District’s congressional seat, spoke at a makeshift podium outside the offices of NBC29.
“Congressman Goode has run away from this debate because he’s run out of ideas,” said Perriello. “I’m disappointed to not have a chance to debate, but I think it’s most disappointing to the voters. There’s a ton at stake in this election. They deserve a chance to hear about what we’re going to do.”
Perriello had every reason to be disappointed that Goode canceled. The televised debate was one of his best opportunities for broader exposure. So far, no other debates are scheduled, though Goode has said he will debate one more time. It’s unlikely that debate will be televised.
Tom Perriello held a Wednesday morning press conference at the WSET Studio in Lynchburg to condemn his opponent’s withdrawal from the debate.