LEWISTON- Democrat Troy Jackson and Republican Bobby Charles have tentatively agreed to a debate at the Franco Center in Lewiston.
Both are running for their respective party’s nomination for Governor.
In a video posted to social media over the weekend, Jackson challenged Charles to the debate, accusing him of “race-baiting.”
Troy Jackson
“Going out against a whole culture of people, in this case the Somalis, is unfair and not right at all,” Jackson said. “What he’s doing is trying to use this as a way to prop himself up for a campaign that really has nothing other than rhetoric.”
In a press release issued today, Charles accepted Jackson’s invitation. The release labeled Jackson a “left-wing activist” who is “anti-law enforcement.”
“I will debate Troy Jackson or any other Democrat anywhere in this state because our side is telling the truth,” Charles stated. “Democrats always scream racism whenever they don’t want to address an issue.”
Bobby Charles
Jackson suggested debating at the Franco Center in Lewiston, accusing Charles of being “enthralled” with the city. Lewiston is home to thousands of Somali-Americans.
Charles’ press release indicated that debate details would be worked out in the future by both campaign teams. No date has yet been set.
Charles is a former US Naval intelligence officer who grew up in Wayne.