Perry may skip some debates
By PEGGY FIKAC, AUSTIN BUREAU
Published 09:56 p.m., Wednesday, October 26, 2011
AUSTIN - Gov. Rick Perry, whose unsteady debating performance has been a drag on his campaign, may skip some future GOP presidential debates in favor of spending time with voters, his communications director said Wednesday.
"There are something like 18 (debates) being planned … and given the fact that all the candidates need to spend time with actual voters in primary states, it seems like doing another dozen or 18 debates is not realistic," Ray Sullivan said in an interview, noting that Perry has done all five debates that have occurred since his August entry into the race.
He said Perry will participate in the Nov. 9 debate in Michigan sponsored by CNBC.
"I think what the voters need to ask is how many debates is the right number," Sullivan said. "There have already been unprecedented numbers for a primary season. … At some point, the real candidates need to spend time with voters, with local media and in town halls in Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina."
Perry, who entered the race at the top of the polls, since has dropped like a rock while former Godfather's Pizza executive Herman Cain has skyrocketed and former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney has remained top-tier.
Doubts have been fueled by Perry's debate appearances, since he has at some times seemed tentative and at others overbearing. Hard right voters have been concerned about his positions on issues including immigration, since he has defended a state law he signed allowing in-state tuition to children of illegal immigrants.
[email protected].
http://www.chron.com/news/houston-texas/article/Perry-may-skip-some-debates-2238378.php
By PEGGY FIKAC, AUSTIN BUREAU
Published 09:56 p.m., Wednesday, October 26, 2011
AUSTIN - Gov. Rick Perry, whose unsteady debating performance has been a drag on his campaign, may skip some future GOP presidential debates in favor of spending time with voters, his communications director said Wednesday.
"There are something like 18 (debates) being planned … and given the fact that all the candidates need to spend time with actual voters in primary states, it seems like doing another dozen or 18 debates is not realistic," Ray Sullivan said in an interview, noting that Perry has done all five debates that have occurred since his August entry into the race.
He said Perry will participate in the Nov. 9 debate in Michigan sponsored by CNBC.
"I think what the voters need to ask is how many debates is the right number," Sullivan said. "There have already been unprecedented numbers for a primary season. … At some point, the real candidates need to spend time with voters, with local media and in town halls in Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina."
Perry, who entered the race at the top of the polls, since has dropped like a rock while former Godfather's Pizza executive Herman Cain has skyrocketed and former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney has remained top-tier.
Doubts have been fueled by Perry's debate appearances, since he has at some times seemed tentative and at others overbearing. Hard right voters have been concerned about his positions on issues including immigration, since he has defended a state law he signed allowing in-state tuition to children of illegal immigrants.
[email protected].
http://www.chron.com/news/houston-texas/article/Perry-may-skip-some-debates-2238378.php