The two Republican candidates for state superintendent will square off on statewide television later this month — but a Democratic debate is a no-go.
Organizers called off the Democratic debate because one of the two candidates, Boise retiree Allen Humble, failed to provide evidence that he is actively campaigning for the nomination. And with only Meridian Democrat Cindy Wilson meeting organizers’ criteria, the debate was called off.
Organizers of the Idaho Debates use several metrics to determine campaign activity — such as campaign appearances, campaign staffing, fundraising or media coverage.
On Thursday, organizers asked both Wilson and Humble to provide additional information about their campaigns. Wilson responded by Tuesday, when organizers met to review campaign materials and set the debate schedule. Humble did not respond in time.
On the Republican side of the ballot, incumbent Superintendent of Public Instruction Sherri Ybarra and Wilder district Superintendent Jeff Dillon will debate on April 27. Their debate will air on Idaho Public Television at 8 p.m. MDT and PDT.
Here’s the rest of the Idaho Debates schedule:
- Lieutenant governor, Republican: 7 p.m. MDT and PDT, April 17.
- Treasurer, Republican: 8:30 p.m. MDT and PDT, April 19.
- Governor, Democratic: 7 p.m. MDT and PDT, April 22.
- Governor, Republican: 8 p.m. MDT and PDT, April 23.
- 1st Congressional District, Republican: 6:30 p.m. MDT and PDT, April 29.
The Idaho Debates are organized by a consortium that includes the Idaho Press Club, Boise State University’s School of Public Service, University of Idaho’s McClure Center, Idaho State University’s School of Political Science, the League of Women Voters’ Voter Education Fund and Idaho Public Television.
Wilson, Humble and Dillon participated Tuesday night in an Idaho Education News candidates’ forum. Ybarra did not participate, citing a scheduling conflict.
To watch our forum in full, go to Idaho Education News’ Facebook page. Click here for our coverage of the forum.
