After originally declining, the Republican has reversed course.
After initially avoiding appearing at campaign events with his opponents, Republican James Buchanan has agreed to a debate on the local ABC affiliate later this month.
Buchanan campaign manager Nicholas Catrappo said in an email Tuesday evening that the candidate will appear in a Jan. 30 debate on ABC7 News at 7 program hosted by Alan Cohn. Democrat Margaret Good and Libertarian Alison Foxall also have agreed to the debate. It will be the first time all three candidates appear together and answer questions.
"He looks forward to this opportunity, which will allow all candidates to discuss the issues important to the voters of Sarasota, absent of any organization's partisan agenda," Catrappo said Tuesday evening.
Buchanan orignially was scheduled to participate in a Sarasota Tiger Bay Club candidate forum on Dec. 6, but he canceled citing a family conflict. Catrappo said at the time that Buchanan would not be participating in any candidate forums with Good and Foxall. Buchanan skipped a forum hosted by the League of Women Voters of Sarasota County Tuesday.
Cohn said the campaign reached out to him Monday about appearing at the Jan. 30 debate and committeed to the event Tuesday evening.
"We're pleased Mr. Buchanan will be joining Margaret Good and Alison Foxall at our debate on ABC7 at 7," Cohn said Wednesday. "Spirited debates are the best way for voters to learn about candidates for office, and their positions on the issues that'd affect our community. We're pleased to be able to offer that opportunity to the candidates, voters and our viewers."
Buchanan's opponents have criticized him for refusing to participate in events with them. Audience members at Tuesday's forum noted his absence.
“We’d like to communicate with the empty table over there,” said one audience member, pointing at a table reserved for Buchanan.
House District 72 covers much of northern Sarasota County. The seat became available when former GOP. Rep. Alex Miller unexpectedly resigned last year. Gov. Rick Scott called a special election on Feb. 13 to fill the vacancy.