Associated Press Published

Governor Candidates Accept Two Debate Invites

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Democrat Jim Justice and Republican Bill Cole will participate in two October debates in the West Virginia governor’s race.

Justice, a billionaire businessman, announced Friday he’ll join the West Virginia Press Association debate on Oct. 4 and the West Virginia Broadcasters Association debate on Oct. 11.

Cole, the state Senate president, previously accepted both invitations.

Cole had challenged Justice to seven debates statewide on different topics, from coal to infrastructure.

Justice said Friday he’ll discuss jobs and education ideas during the debates.

Broadcasters Association Executive Director Michele Crist says the group’s debate will be at the Clay Center in Charleston and only include Cole and Justice.

Mountain Party candidate Charlotte Pritt and Libertarian David Moran round out the governor’s race. It’s unclear whether they’ll be involved in the Press Association debate.