By Taylor Seely || Arizona Republic
The Arizona Citizens Clean Election Commission backed out of the event that was to be hosted in partnership with Arizona PBS after the station agreed to a separate, similar interview with Democrat Katie Hobbs.
The Arizona Citizens Clean Election Commission backed out of the event that was to be hosted in partnership with Arizona PBS after the station agreed to a separate, similar interview with Democrat Katie Hobbs.
Lake was to appear solo on statewide television after Hobbs declined to attend the debate organized by the Commission and Arizona PBS.
Hobbs had previously asked for separate town hall-style interviews, but the commission held a public hearing and rejected the request. Arizona PBS, however, decided to extend the opportunity to interview Hobbs Oct. 18, according to Hobbs’ spokesperson.
The commission released a statement Wednesday saying they were unaware of PBS’ scheduled interview with Hobbs and that PBS had “broke from our shared practice” by planning it.
The commission is now looking for a new venue, partner and date for a future interview with Lake.
PBS said it offered both candidates 30-minute interviews as part of its “Arizona Horizon” news program.
