A.G. Gancarski
The Jacksonville University Public Policy Institute, in conjunction with WJXT-TV, has hosted a number of meaningful debates in the last couple of years.
Candidates for mayor and sheriff have debated at the private university, as have candidates for state attorney and the United States Congress.
Now, the non-partisan Public Policy Institute wants the two major party candidates for the United States Senate to debate.
So far, one of them (Marco Rubio) has confirmed a willingness to debate. And the Public Policy Institute has indicated a willingness to set a date that works for both campaigns.
PPI director Rick Mullaney extended an invitation to Rubio and Rep. Patrick Murphy to a televised debate before the election.
Mullaney, a veteran of politics himself, understands the nature of political scheduling, and he’s said that the broadcast partners would be “flexible” on the date.
Murphy, thus far, has not responded to the invitation, but Mullaney is “hopeful” that response will come and will be affirmative.
We have reached out to the Murphy campaign for status on this also.
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It is worth noting that, at least in terms of local and regional races, debates held at Jacksonville University have shifted electoral narratives.
The pivotal third debate between Lenny Curry and Alvin Brown certainly contributed to a changing of the guard in Jacksonville’s City Hall.
And the sole televised debate between Corrine Brown and Al Lawson saw the incumbent congresswoman become unhinged, comparing the federal charges against her to unfounded claims of sexual deviance among the media.
Rubio and Murphy, both careful and polished public speakers, undoubtedly would avoid such pyrotechnics.
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That being said, a debate between these candidates would certainly help to educate Northeast Florida voters on these two candidates.
Rubio, who had strong support among Jacksonville’s establishment during his campaign for United States President, is a known quantity regionally.
Murphy has had, thus far, less exposure in Northeast Florida.
This debate could change that.
If it happens.
Check back for updates on this developing story.
