The Virginia Bar Association has canceled the first debate in the campaign for Virginia’s U.S. Senate seat due to Republican challenger Hung Cao’s lack of commitment to participate. The debate was scheduled for July 20th and is the first of three debates that Democratic incumbent Sen. Tim Kaine has accepted in his campaign for reelection to a third term. Cao’s campaign did not provide an explanation, but mentioned negotiating a more visible event with a statewide media company.
Kaine’s spokesperson accused Cao of avoiding the debate to hide from Virginians and explain his positions on key issues like Medicare, Social Security, reproductive rights, health insurance access, and prescription drug costs. Kaine has been using planned debates to put Cao on the defensive after his primary win. The Republican nominee had not yet received the debate invitations but expressed interest in participating in televised debates in the fall.
The bar association had not contacted Cao formally but had communicated with state Republican Party Chairman Rich Anderson. Cao was officially invited after the primary but did not respond. The bar association debate is a longstanding Virginia political tradition, which has seen notable candidates like Gov. Glenn Youngkin decline to participate in the past.
Kaine has participated in previous Senate campaigns’ bar association debates and was ready to engage with challengers in discussing important issues facing Virginians. Cao’s absence from the debate raises questions about his willingness to face constituents and address vital concerns in the Senate race.
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