Bob Ferguson declines third debate with Dave Reichert

SEATTLE - A third Washington gubernatorial debate between Bob Ferguson and Dave Reichert has been canceled after Ferguson declined his invitation to participate.

The Washington State Debate Coalition (WSDC) says it canceled its Oct. 11 debate at Central Washington University in Ellensburg after learning that Ferguson was only committing to two other debates.

Both candidates agreed to debate in Seattle Sept. 10, and in Spokane Sept. 18. Reichert also agreed to the Ellensburg debate, before it was canceled.

Ferguson, a Democrat, and Reichert, a Republican, advanced from the August primary to the general election Nov. 5. The WSDC said it had been in constant communication with the campaigns and state party leaders about the Oct. 11 event.

FOX 13 Seattle is a member of the WSDC that plans a full program of political debates. Future WSDC debates that remain scheduled will be broadcast and streamed by FOX 13 Seattle, including the races for Seattle City Council on Sept. 18, Attorney General on Sept. 19, and the state Superintendent of Public Instruction on Sept. 26. FOX 13's Hana Kim and John Hopperstad each participate as moderators for these debates.