Bloggers debate a bust this year

Stafford County, Va. –– It appears an anticipated debate between two candidates running for Congress in Stafford County won’t happen.

Coming off the heels of last year’s successful blogger’s debate last year at Mountain View High School in Stafford County, organizers of the Rappahannock Area Blogger’s Forum this year said there will be no debate between Robert J. Wittman, R-Va. 1^st, and Democratic challenger Krystal Ball.

The debate was scheduled to be held at Riverbend High School in Spotsylvania County on Oct. 14, but Wittman’s camp told debate organizers the congressman would be unable to make the appearance due to a schedule conflict.

Organizers said they were unable to reschedule the date at Riverbend, and considered moving the debate to Caroline County.

The forum did not consider moving the debate to extreme southeastern Prince William County, which includes a small portion of voters who on Nov. 2 will have to decide between Wittman and Ball.

Wittman’s campaign issued a statement saying they were ready to debate, and that the congressman often visits with bloggers to discuss issues.

“Rob visits with blogs often and is on the new media caucus in Washington, so he is well aware of the trends and impact of new media,” said Wittman campaign spokesman Casey Werderman.

A request for comment from Ball’s campaign was not returned.

Eric Martin, with the Rappahannock Area Bloggers Forum, said the blogger’s debates were designed to engage a new, younger audience.

“Certainly we’re disappointed that we can’t hold the event, because it was a great opportunity to give bloggers and new media a shot in the arm,” said Martin.

The all-volunteer blogger organization last year attracted 200 people to their series of debates, which in Stafford focused on the County Board of Supervisors races.

Martin said he will try to hold the blogger’s forum again next year.