By Owen Houtakker
Wyoming Tribune Eagle
Via- Wyoming News Exchange

CHEYENNE — The U.S. House of Representatives debate hosted by Wyoming PBS this week will not include Republican candidate and current Secretary of State Chuck Gray.

Lisa Kinney, the Democratic Party candidate, released a statement Monday morning, challenging Gray to participate in a general election debate. She said Wyoming voters deserve to hear from all candidates before casting their ballots.

“How can people choose their candidate if the public is not given the opportunity to hear them debate the issues facing our state and nation,” Kinney wrote.

Wyoming PBS confirmed to the Wyoming Tribune Eagle that Gray had not yet responded to its invitation to participate, but that Kinney, in addition to Constitution Party candidate Jeff Haggit and Libertarian candidate Shawn Johnson, will take part in the debate.

Gray provided a written response to the WTE regarding not accepting PBS’s invitation and Kinney’s challenge.

He noted the efforts he has made throughout his campaign to meet Wyoming voters where they are.

“I’ve hosted over 50 townhalls, done at least 6 debates, dozens of forums, and also attended other events across Wyoming,” Gray wrote in a text message. “I’m continuing to discuss key issues at events across Wyoming.”

In Kinney’s statement, she contrasted herself with Gray, stating, “Gray simply lacks the practical knowledge to compete on the issues, so he stays at a national level without specific details to any of his positions.” She said she “focuses on specific legislative actions she intends to champion in Congress.”

In an interview with Wyoming Tribune Eagle, Kinney touted her record as a state senator for 10 years, as well as her work as the minority leader. She also focused on President Donald Trump’s endorsement of Gray and whether he would prioritize the people of Wyoming over interests in Washington.

“How can he keep the promises that he’s made to the people of Wyoming and also be with President Trump,” Kinney said. 

She noted how many of Gray’s promises do not match Trump’s, pointing to Trump’s support of data centers and the potential sale of Wyoming’s public lands.

In his statement, Gray noted his support for “keeping public lands in public hands.”

Kinney believes the debate is a good opportunity for her to make herself known to Wyoming voters. She also addressed a recent attack ad that ran Sunday morning on CBS, which she said misrepresented her record on healthcare and described her as a socialist.

“None of that’s true,” she said. “Why would you put something like that on … television?”

In her statement, Kinney highlighted her belief that she represents Wyoming residents and the issues they care about, whereas Gray does not. The statement also asserted that Gray’s performance in debates during the Republican primary led him to not participate in the general election debate.

In his statement, Gray outlined his frustration with PBS’s moderation during the primary debate and how his microphone was muted when he attempted to address statements from other candidates about his record. He explained that PBS’s format is unusual when compared to the common format used across the country.

“I always invite any Wyoming citizen to call, email me directly, or attend any of my events, with any questions or concerns they may have,” Gray wrote.

Kinney finished by writing that “the ball is in your court now, Mr. Gray.”

In his text message to the WTE, Gray said, “I’m focused on meeting voters and discussing Wyoming’s future and the key issues: unleashing our energy industry, affordability, health care, securing the border and getting bureaucrats off the backs of families and businesses.”

The above story may be used ONLY by members of the Wyoming News Exchange or with the express consent of the newspaper of its origin.