Calls Debate Moderated by Wagner Endorser "Biased Sham"

May 11, 2009

Cedar Bluff, VA - After last night's "debate" hosted by Jody Wagner endorser George Burke the campaign of Lieutenant Governor candidate Jon Bowerbank re-issued its challenge to Jody Wagner to debate Jon Bowerbank at three location across the state, moderated by real journalists with no bias in the race.

"Jon Bowerbank thinks Democrats across Virginia are entitled to hear an open, honest discussion from their candidates. Last night's debate was a biased sham where Jody Wagner and the 'moderator' - an open Wagner supporter - teamed up to slant the discussion in Wagner's favor," said Bowerbank campaign manager Jon Paul Lupo.

"Voters deserve to hear their candidates debate the issues fairly. Jon would like to have three debates, one in Northern Virginia, one in Hampton Roads and one in Southwest Virginia. If Jody Wagner is committed to letting voters know where she stands on issues she will accept debates that are not merely sham discussions with her endorsers and face real questions from real journalists."

Here are just a few comments from Democratic activists about the biased debate that took place last night:

• "You would have thought Wagner's husband was asking the questions... This debate is painful to watch... We need Different Moderator, Different Questions, and a Different Format..."

• "Whoever organized this debate set you up. Hope you make it out in one piece."

• "I demand a rematch! $%* was up with Burke, is he on [Wagner] payroll or something?"