Virginia’s Democratic nominee for governor Abigail Spanberger on Thursday declined a gubernatorial debate with CNN that her opponent, Republican Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears, had accepted on Wednesday.

The Spanberger campaign said it is in active negotiations with a Norfolk-based TV station and Norfolk State University about a proposed debate that Earle-Sears has already accepted.

‘The People’s Debate’ canceled after Earle-Sears declines invitation

“We have declined an offer to participate in a debate hosted by CNN in order to prioritize Virginia broadcasters and ensure the focus remains squarely on issues impacting Virginia,” said Spanberger campaign manager Samson Signori.

“We believe that debates about Virginia’s future should be rooted in Virginia, produced by Virginia media, and a

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