Waltham, MA – The New Bedford Guide and Fall River Reporter will host a gubernatorial debate on April 15th and has invited all Republican candidates to participate. On April 4th, an email invitation was sent to all campaigns – including Mike Minogue’s team – and the Kennealy campaign agreed immediately. To date, Mike Minogue is the only candidate who has not accepted the invitation.
Mike Kennealy has upheld his commitment to debate “anytime, anywhere,” accepting every debate opportunity presented to him. In contrast, Mike Minogue has continued to avoid engaging with fellow candidates and Republican voters in a debate setting.
Kennealy is calling out Mike Minogue for skipping his 11th debate or forum of the election, this time at a Bristol County venue just 20 minutes from where he’ll hold a meet-and-greet later that night.
“Candidates who are unwilling to debate should not be running for Governor. Mike Minogue was invited – his campaign received the email – and he is choosing not to participate,” said Kennealy. “This debate is taking place just hours before his own event down the road. The facts speak for themselves.”
Kennealy continued:
“In September, there will be two candidates facing off: Governor Healey, a seasoned prosecutor who has won statewide office three times, and a Republican nominee who must make the case to voters that it’s time for a change. That nominee must be tested, prepared, and ready.”
“Republican voters deserve a full and open debate. Avoiding that process is not just a missed opportunity – it is a deliberate choice. If Mike Minogue believes it is in his best interest to emerge from this primary unvetted and untested, that reflects a lack of confidence in his candidacy and that is not what is right for our party.”
Kennealy also noted that Minogue has already promoted an event in the New Bedford region later on April 15th, following the scheduled debate.
“There are no more excuses,” Kennealy added. “Mike Minogue should accept this debate and make his case to Republican voters.”
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