GOP Gubernatorial Candidates Face Off for Debate, Pointing the Finger at the Race's Frontrunner
Charles said the debates should include all candidates as rivals used his absence to question his front-runner claim.
- On Tuesday, Republican gubernatorial frontrunner Bobby Charles skipped the Commitment 2026 debate hosted by WMTW, leaving six rival candidates to debate without Maine's early polling leader.
- Last week, Charles withdrew from a CBS News 13 and Bangor Daily News debate, citing the exclusion of longshot Robert Wessels, who failed to meet the 5% polling threshold used by the outlets.
- During Tuesday's event, Former Senate Majority Leader Garrett Mason attacked Charles' absence, asking: "Do you guys wonder where Bobby is on all these things? Wish he was here to answer some questions, but I think he might be in bed."
- Charles' campaign defended his strategy as "the most open, transparent, and accessible of any campaign," while an unscientific straw poll showed Ben Midgley leading with 694 votes, followed by Mason with 587 and Charles with 405.
- With the June 9 primary approaching, the seven-candidate field is navigating ranked-choice voting to replace term-limited Gov. Janet Mills, making debate visibility crucial for lesser-known contenders.
10 Articles
10 Articles
GOP gubernatorial candidates face off for debate, pointing the finger at the race's frontrunner
GOP gubernatorial frontrunner Bobby Charles declined Maine's Total Coverage's invitation to debate on Tuesday night, the remaining six candidates drawing contrast from Charles.
mainemorningstar.com
In packed GOP field, gubernatorial candidates aim to distinguish themselves in first TV debate
Most of the Republican gubernatorial candidates participated in the May 5 WMTW debate. From top left, Jonathan Bush, Ben Midgley, Garrett Mason, Owen McCarthy, David Jones and Robert Wessels. (Official campaign photos)The Republican gubernatorial candidates all agreed that, if elected, they’d cut taxes, regulations on businesses and, overall, the state budget during the first statewide televised debate Tuesday night. But, they differed on how th…
Lewiston Sun Journal
Maine governor candidates attack Bobby Charles for skipping debate
Six of the 7 candidates in the Republican primary appeared at a debate hosted by WMTW Tuesday night.
In packed GOP field, gubernatorial candidates aim to distinguish themselves in first TV debate - Stateline Publications
Most of the Republican gubernatorial candidates participated in the May 5 WMTW debate. From top left, Jonathan Bush, Ben Midgley, Garrett Mason, Owen McCarthy, David Jones and Robert Wessels. (Official campaign photos)The Republican gubernatorial candidates all agreed that, if elected, they’d cut taxes, regulations on businesses and, overall, the state budget during the first statewide televised debate Tuesday night. But, they differed on how th…
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