DES MOINES – Friday, Iowa Public Television cancelled the Iowa Press debate for the U.S. Senate race scheduled for October 20, 2016. Senator Grassley (R-New Hartford) rescinded his acceptance of IPTV’s invitation, leaving former Lieutenant Governor Patty Judge (D-Albia) as the sole participant. Judge accepted IPTV’s invitation on September 23, 2016. Grassley’s campaign issued a press release on August 5, 2016, announcing his participation in IPTV’s debate.
The hour-long debate had been scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. in front of a live audience in the Maytag Auditorium at IPTV’s studios in Johnston. The program would have aired live on statewide IPTV and been live streamed on Iptv.org. The candidates had previously agreed to answer questions and discuss their platforms, concerns and future plans for the state of Iowa.
“Iowa Public Television has a longstanding tradition of candidate debates through Iowa Press, the longest-running statewide public affairs program,” said Molly Phillips, IPTV Executive Director and General Manager. “We are disappointed the debate will not be available to all Iowans on our air, online or in our studio.”
Iowa Public Television is Iowa’s only statewide network, reaching nearly 2 million people over the air each month and more than 1.4 million viewers online annually.
In response, Patty Judge said “This afternoon Chuck Grassley suddenly pulled out of the Iowa Public Television debate. After 42 years in Washington it’s clear that he’s unwilling to answer the tough questions and defend his record. Iowans deserve better.”