The Gray TV stations in Louisiana wanted to hold a debate for the candidates that are running for Governor. But one candidate told Gray he’s not doing it.

Baton Rouge businessman, Eddie Rispone, has declined an invitation to appear in a debate to be televised across Louisiana on the Gray stations. Incumbent, Governor John Bel Edwards, agreed to attend the debate, but Rispone said no thanks.

Rispone is doing a TV debate tonight in the PBS stations but turned down the offer from Gray.

“Eddie’s schedule is packed with visits across this state,” Rispone campaign spokeswoman, Ruth Wisher, said in declining the invitation. “He is regularly meeting with business and local leaders to share his vision for Louisiana. Eddie agreed to the debate on Oct. 30 and looks forward to discussing his thoughts on how to do for Louisiana what President Trump has done for America.”

Political analyst, Jim Engster, says Rispone is “taking the path of least resistance” by only agreeing to one debate in the runoff cycle. “He and his advisers decided there is more risk than benefit in going toe-to-toe more than once with Governor Edwards," Engster said.

Eddie Rispone, a Baton Rouge businessman, will face Governor John Bel Edwards in a runoff election Nov. 16.

H/T WAFB