A gubernatorial debate between Democratic nominee Terry McAuliffe and Republican candidate Glenn Youngkin has been canceled due to Youngkin declining to participate.
FILE - In this May 11, 2021, file photo Republican gubernatorial candidate, Glenn Youngkin, speaks during an event in Richmond, Va. Youngkin's campaign announced Monday, July 12, 2021 that he would not debate Democratic nominee Terry McAuliffe at a perennial event hosted by the state bar association, in part because of the journalist moderator. (AP Photo/Steve Helber, File)(AP/Steve Helber)
FILE - In this May 11, 2021, file photo Republican gubernatorial candidate, Glenn Youngkin, speaks during an event in Richmond, Va. Youngkin's campaign announced Monday, July 12, 2021 that he would not debate Democratic nominee Terry McAuliffe at a perennial event hosted by the state bar association, in part because of the journalist moderator. (AP Photo/Steve Helber, File)(AP/Steve Helber)
A Virginia gubernatorial debate between Democratic nominee Terry McAuliffe and Republican candidate Glenn Youngkin has been canceled due to Youngkin declining to participate.
AARP Virginia, the sponsor for the statewide broadcast, “The People’s Debate,” made the announcement Monday.
“Virginia voters are the real losers here,” said AARP Virginia State Director Jim Dau in a statement. “AARP Virginia will continue to be active during this election season, providing voters with information they need to cast their ballots, as well as informing them how they can vote safely during the pandemic.”
According to the statement, the sponsor sent invitations to both nominees, but the Youngkin campaign did not include “The People’s Debate” in the slate of forums in which he would participate.
FILE - In this May 11, 2021, file photo Republican gubernatorial candidate, Glenn Youngkin, speaks during an event in Richmond, Va. Youngkin's campaign announced Monday, July 12, 2021 that he would not debate Democratic nominee Terry McAuliffe at a perennial event hosted by the state bar association, in part because of the journalist moderator. (AP Photo/Steve Helber, File)(AP/Steve Helber)
FILE - In this May 11, 2021, file photo Republican gubernatorial candidate, Glenn Youngkin, speaks during an event in Richmond, Va. Youngkin's campaign announced Monday, July 12, 2021 that he would not debate Democratic nominee Terry McAuliffe at a perennial event hosted by the state bar association, in part because of the journalist moderator. (AP Photo/Steve Helber, File)(AP/Steve Helber)
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