Chris Jones Press Release
First Arkansas Gubernatorial Debate Set for Tonight; Sarah Sanders Declines Invite
Airs:
TONIGHT - Wednesday, October 5th - 6:30-7 p.m. CT
Where:
KATV ABC 7 in Little Rock and over KATV’s entire coverage area. Also viewable online at katv.com. Archive available on YouTube sometime following the debate.
What:
Tonight, KATV will air the first of two televised Arkansas gubernatorial debates. Democratic nominee Chris Jones will be joined on stage by third-party candidate Ricky Harrington. Sarah Huckabee Sanders declined several invitations from KATV to the debate.
KATV will host a 30-minute debate on Wednesday, Oct. 5, which will air from 6:30 to 7 p.m. on KATV. The two candidates who opted to show up for Arkansas will field questions from KATV’s Chris May. (See announcement from KATV.)
Sanders’ avoidance of the debate breaks from long-standing expectations of Arkansans that individuals seeking their votes show up for debates and put their plans on display for voters, but it’s not shocking since Sanders has avoided town halls, media interviews and public appearances throughout the campaign. Buoyed by a largesse of out-of-state donations and dark money, Sanders has failed to show up throughout this campaign, trying to buy this election while participating from the sidelines. Meanwhile, Chris Jones is running a smart, heartfelt and effective grassroots campaign focused on meeting voters where they are, walking a mile in their shoes, and truly listening and responding to the issues. Jones has visited every county of Arkansas to listen, learn and share his vision for spreading opportunity across the state like “PB&J” - high-quality education starting with Preschool, solid infrastructure starting with Broadband access for everyone, and real economic development starting with good paying Jobs.
“Voters have a choice: A hard-working Arkansan who shows up for all Arkansans or my opponent. I work hard to meet every opportunity to share my experience and vision for lifting up every Arkansan across the state. I’m the only candidate running for governor with the executive leadership experience to do the job, and the only one who will show up everyday to make the Arkansas government work for all our neighbors – and actually wants to govern. My only ambition is to help unlock the promise of Arkansas, a state that created the foundation for my success, so that others can thrive as I have,” Jones said. “I'll always show up for neighbors across our great state, share a vision and stand on my own merits. On the contrary, Arkansans are telling me that they don’t see or hear from Sarah Sanders. Together, we can choose community, progress and love over chaos, entitlement and extremism.”
With only a few weeks before voting begins, Sarah Huckabee Sanders has presented zero plans to Arkansas voters, instead relying on divisive DC talking points. Sanders’ extremist positions are pushing independent and moderate Republicans voters over to Chris Jones – so there’s every reason in the world for her to skip a scheduled debate on KATV, as well as several other invitations to debate. Sanders’ disappearing act isn’t doing her any favors either, as Arkansas voters want and deserve a governor that will show up for them, and not avoid all but the most strictly controlled interviews and appearances. Arkansans want a governor like Chris Jones that will work hard to earn their vote and while in office to bring people together to lift up every corner of the state.
As governor, Jones has pledged to lead for all Arkansans, not just those that like him or voted for him. Jones is asking Arkansas voters to register to vote by October 11 and to “choose community over chaos” by voting Chris Jones for Governor in the November 8 general election.
Background:
Chris Jones is here to prove that politics and governance do not have to be divisive and destructive, and that we solve our problems by bringing people together. The Promise of Arkansas is rooted in the Arkansan values of Faith, Hope & Hard Work. Committing to expanding quality education to all families starting Preschool, reducing technical school and community college costs, supporting public universities throughout Arkansas, raising teacher pay and benefits, and stimulating economic development focused on creating high wage jobs is where The Promise of Arkansas begins.
See more from Chris Jones’ The Promise of Arkansas.