John Cox and Gavin Newsom Finally Lock Down Debate

In a highly anticipated announcement, California constituents learned that they will soon get the opportunity to hear a gubernatorial debate between candidates Gavin Newsom and John Cox.

Taking place next month, the radio faceoff-style debate to be held KQED-FM radio station is so far the only discussion that the candidates have agreed to ahead of the November election. According to the sfchronicle, the debate is scheduled for 10 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 8, and “will be moderated by KQED politics editor Scott Shafer on the station’s “Forum” program. It will be a conversational format in which the candidates will not be limited to strict timed responses.” KQED is based in San Francisco, which is Newsom’s former territory when he was the city’s Mayor.

Both candidates have accused each other of running from several debates. In fact, numerous news organizations have offered to host statewide debates, including Sacramento’s KCRA-TV, which Cox accepted and Newsom rejected. On the other hand, Newsom pushed hard for an October 1^st CNN debate, and this time Cox declined, stating he believed the questions should be limited to issues affecting California. Newsom did not agree.

Despite this, Cox a San Diego businessman, has continually zinged the former Lieutenant Governor on the subject of debates and has proposed at least four other dates. He accuses Newsom of dodging them all except the one scheduled in Newsom’s home-town based KQED.

Until today’s announcement, it appeared the two candidates might not debate at all. And while recent studies have showed Cox gaining in polls against the heavily favored Democrat, this will certainly be a critical opportunity for him to boost his popularity.