SANTA FE, NM – House Republican Leader Gail Armstrong (R-Magdalena) issued the following statement after Democratic gubernatorial candidate Deb Haaland announced she will not participate in any debates with Republican nominee Gregg Hull before the November 3 election.
"A governor's race without a single debate is nearly unheard of in New Mexico, and Deb Haaland's decision to walk away from every opportunity is a slap in the face to the voters she is asking to trust with this state. After months of excuses, she handed her opponent a 48-hour ultimatum, rejected every offer on the table, and dismissed the entire process as a sideshow. She has found time for national cable interviews, yet she will not spend a single hour answering to New Mexicans.
"New Mexicans are left with only two explanations, and neither one is acceptable. Either Deb Haaland believes, out of pure arrogance and hubris, that she is entitled to this office and does not owe voters a single answer, or she is hiding out of incompetence and fear because she knows she cannot defend her positions on a debate stage. Anyone who watched her struggle to answer basic questions in front of Congress could fairly guess it is some of both.
"Whichever it is, the result is the same. If she will not face voters now, how can anyone trust her to govern? Deb Haaland is a walking red flag, and New Mexicans deserve a governor willing to answer to them.
"On October 8, Gregg Hull will stand on that stage and answer every question put to him. The podium beside him will be empty, and voters should remember why when they cast their ballots."
