All of Governor Kay Ivey’s Republican primary opponents wanted the governor to participate in a debate, but it did not matter. Now, two weeks into the general election, Democrat candidate Walt Maddox has had two separate news cycles where he asked for a debate.

It is not happening.

Ivey can be as coy about this as she wants, but by not being clear, Ivey is being crystal clear that this ain’t happening:

“There will be plenty of time for these discussions…” a campaign spokesperson wrote in an email, according to the Associated Press.

Why this matters:

Yes, Alabamians deserve to hear the competing ideas of the two candidates running for governor, but it doesn’t have to be a debate.

If Walt Maddox wants to get in front of as many people as he possibly can, go answer questions from every TV station in the state.

If Maddox wants to reach Republican voters looking at potentially crossing over, including Republicans who voted for Senator Doug Jones over Roy Moore, go on talk radio.

It is 2018 — Maddox has access to plenty of ways to touch Alabama citizens every single day; however, a debate with the incumbent Governor Kay Ivey will not be one of them.

@TheDaleJackson is a contributing writer to Yellowhammer News and hosts a conservative talk show from 7-11 am weekdays on WVNN