Debating when to debate

President Barack Obama and Mitt Romney will have three debates.

Gubernatorial candidates Rob McKenna and Jay Inslee have had two debates, and will have two more next month.

Not wanting to be outdone by national and statewide candidates, David Madore threw down a challenge this week, announcing via press release that he wants to debate Clark County Commissioner Marc Boldt five times.

In the news release, sent by Madore’s campaign manager, Anna Miller, Madore said he sent Boldt a letter asking for a series of debates to be held in different locations around the county.

Madore suggested that the debates be held in different locations across the county to include the new Vancouver Library, Battle Ground, Camas, Evergreen High School or WSU and suggested possible hosts such as the League of Women Voters, a high school youth group and various public service organizations.

In his letter to Boldt, Madore said: “I am flexible and will do whatever I can to accommodate your schedule to best serve the voters. I am open to other organizations or locations that can be mutually agreed upon. I welcome your response”.

No letter was necessary, Boldt said. Boldt, who was the only candidate in the primary willing to be interviewed for Madore’s website, said he’d already told Madore that he’d be up to meet whenever, wherever.

It’s a little late in the game to try and schedule five events. While the general election is Nov. 6, ballots will be mailed Oct. 15.

Boldt said he’s looking forward to participating in a League of Women Voters candidate forum, scheduled for 6 p.m. Oct 10 at Camas Public Library — organizers are still trying to determine which other candidates to include in that forum; a League of Women Voters forum including Commissioner Tom Mielke and Joe Tanner is set for Oct. 4.

Boldt said he anticipates Camas High School students will arrange a debate between him and Madore, but details haven’t been set.

As for any other groups wanting to sponsor a debate between Madore and Boldt … tick-tock, tick-tock.