Katie Hobbs likely to bow out of Gubernatorial debate

FOX 9's Adam Klepp gets to the bottom of the debate drama

YUMA, Ariz. (KECY, KYMA) - Debates are usually a major part of any election process but this year, Arizonans likely will not get to see the two candidates for governor go head to head.

As Democratic nominee Katie Hobbs's campaign manager announced her candidate would not be participating in this year’s gubernatorial debate under its current format.

The Hobbs campaign also proposed a new format which would not include an actual debate.

The event’s sponsor, The Arizona Citizen Clean Elections Commission, released a statement saying in part that the Hobbs campaign proposal would “significantly alter the nature of the event.”

Lake taking things a step further, calling her opponent a coward on Twitter.

“Arizona, Katie Hobbs thinks so little of you she won’t even campaign to earn your vote,” Lake said.

Hobbs has been on the campaign trail in Yuma recently, and had this to say about her opponent in the general election.

“If you want to vote for a candidate who is going to tackle the big issues, then vote for sanity. And I’m the sane choice,” Hobbs said.

On the same day Hobbs declined her debate invitation, incumbent Democratic U.S. Senator Mark Kelly accepted his.

He will debate Republican Senate candidate Blake Masters on October 6th.

The gubernatorial debate was originally scheduled for October 12th.

It’s unclear if the event will not take place or if candidate lake will appear alone on stage.