Hageman declines to debate Democratic contender GreyBull

Sep. 13—CHEYENNE — Republican U.S. House of Representatives primary winner Harriet Hageman has declined an invitation to debate Democratic contender Lynnette GreyBull next month.

WyomingPBS confirmed Monday that officials had provided two dates in October for Hageman to participate in the general election debate, and she declined both. For the first date, she said there was a scheduling conflict, and when given a second available date, Hageman said she would not participate at all.

"Since announcing her candidacy, Harriet Hageman has traveled over 40,000 miles across Wyoming, held more than 200 events and spoken with thousands of voters. This is a much more effective way of communicating with Wyomingites, and it's how she will continue," her campaign responded in a statement. "We thank you for your invitation, but respectfully decline."

Democratic primary winner GreyBull said Hageman's decision not to join her on the debate stage showed a lack of dedication to her role as a representative. She said it's a tactic of the privileged class to not participate in debates, and to not have an open dialogue about issues concerning Wyomingites. She said constituents deserve to hear Hageman's plan for the state, and compare them to the position GreyBull has on various issues.

"I do hope she would consider changing her mind," GreyBull said.

WyomingPBS Senior Producer for Public Affairs Steve Peck told the Wyoming Tribune Eagle it was disappointing that Hageman was not going to take part, because the debates are a key component in educating constituents. He said WyomingPBS had been hosting the live statewide debates for many years, and noted that Hageman took part in the Republican primary debate earlier this year.

"We're the only ones that do it consistently in this way, and we're sorry that not everyone is going to be participating," he said.

Although he has not reviewed every single debate WyomingPBS has hosted, he said it is extraordinarily rare that a major party candidate would decline a general election debate invitation.

Jasmine Hall is the Wyoming Tribune Eagle's state government reporter. She can be reached by email at jhall@wyomingnews.com or by phone at 307-633-3167. Follow her on Twitter @jasminerhphotos and on Instagram @jhrose25.