Moorhead debate will now include IP’s Nicollet
The sponsors of Wednesday's gubernatorial debate have reversed course and are now including Independence Party candidate Hannah Nicollet in the event.
Forum Communications, which is hosting the debate, initially said Nicollet would not participate because she did not meet their standard of receiving at least 10 percent support in a public poll.
Organizers extended an invitation to Nicollet after realizing a poll conducted by Gravis Marketing in July showed Nicollet with 11 percent. It means now she can appear on the Hansen Theater stage at Minnesota State University Moorhead with DFL Gov. Mark Dayton and Republican Jeff Johnson.
“I am thrilled,” Nicollet said about the decision. “I want to be able to share my vision and my plan for Minnesota, and it would be hard to do that if I wasn’t included in the debate.”
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Nicollet has been lobbying to be included in all of the debates. At last week’s debate in Rochester, she said she was not invited to the four other debates between now and Election Day. After her statement, Dayton said that she should be.
“I think it’s well established that the Independence Party that is one of the major parties in the state,” Dayton said at the time. “Mr. Horner [2010 IP candidate Tom Horner] participated in all of our debates four years ago, and I think you should be afforded the same opportunity.”
Nicollet’s appearance will allow her to be seen by more potential voters. It also appears to be a setback for Johnson, who has been relishing the opportunity to have a one-on-one debate with Dayton.
When contacted about the change, Johnson's spokesman Jeff Baken wrote in an e-mail that they "welcome her to the debate and look forward to her participation."
Recent polls by KSTP-TV and Rasmussen Reports show Dayton leading Johnson and Nicollet by double digits.
Wednesday's 90 minute debate will be begin at 7 p.m.