Jan Brewer said Tuesday’s she might debate Terry Goddard again — but only if there’s some chance he actually could beat her.
Brewer, in an interview with Capitol Media Services, conceded that her decision to avoid a televised confrontation with her Democratic gubernatorial foe is purely political: She is leading in recent polls, with no sign of her margin narrowing.
In fact, Brewer’s gaffes during last month’s debate — she verbally stumbled, went silent for seconds and mangled her grammar — did not make a dent in her popularity. So at this point, Brewer said she sees no reason to give Goddard another shot at her.
“Maybe there would be a possibility that we would debate if my numbers starting dropping dramatically,’’ she said. “And, of course, I’m working hard to see that they don’t.’’
The last statewide survey, taken by Rasmussen Reports, showed Brewer with the backing of 60 percent of those questioned. Goddard was far behind at 38 percent.
In fact, Goddard’s numbers are so bad that his campaign put out a release crowing about the fact that a poll shows he’s losing by only 7 percentage points in the Fifth Congressional District — a district that, while it has a Republican edge, has sent a Democrat to Congress.
Brewer had to participate in one — and only one — debate because she, like Goddard, is taking public funds for her campaign. She got more than $700,000 in her primary and nearly $1.1 million for the general election.
She said her reticence to meet with Goddard again should come as no surprise.
“We made that decision long ago,’’ the governor said, saying the single debate was part of the game plan all along.
“So far, we’ve been right on the game,’’ Brewer said, adding, “And I’m winning.’’
Brewer brushed aside a question of whether Goddard will be disappointed with her stand.
“And you think I care?’’ she quipped.
Goddard, whose campaign has been sending out a series of releases asking for another debate, would not comment Tuesday about the governor’s statements.
Tortillas posted at 4:34 pm on Tue, Sep 28, 2010.
Yea, she wants to take advantage of the voters' ignorance before they wake up.
Carolyn posted at 4:50 pm on Tue, Sep 28, 2010.
She's not only unqualified and a piece of c**p; she's a coward for not having the guts to take part in a debate. Obviously, she is aware of her extreme ignorance.
soricobob posted at 5:13 am on Wed, Sep 29, 2010.
I can't say I, uh, mm, (smile), ahh, blame her!
coyote posted at 7:33 am on Wed, Sep 29, 2010.
If she doesn't have enough confidence to debate, I can't trust that she has enough knowledge and common sense to be our governor.
ChandlerGuy posted at 7:58 am on Wed, Sep 29, 2010.
It is beyond my understanding how this ignorant woman can be leading. This state is unbelievable.
Slabside posted at 7:40 pm on Wed, Sep 29, 2010.
Good for you Jan. You will be elected as you have been leading the state just fine. Keep up the good work.[beam]
madblogger posted at 9:16 pm on Wed, Sep 29, 2010.
This old hag puppet needs to stay in her cage. She's an embarrassment to the state ![sneaky]