If Republican presidential candidates lobby the networks for changes to the debate formats, they may have to do it without Ohio Gov. John Kasich.
At a meeting in Virginia this weekend, the Republican presidential campaigns drew up a detailed letter outlining specific demands and changes they want made to future debates. The campaigns plan to send it to the networks involved in future debates, but multiple candidates do not appear to be on board.
Kasich, ranked #9 in the Washington Examiner power rankings, will choose not to sign.
“We are declining to sign the letter,” said Chris Schrimpf, campaign spokesman, in a statement. “We’re happy the group decided to agree with us to not alter the FOX debate, but as the governor of Ohio, he is used to answering tough questions all the time.”
Earlier on Monday afternoon, Donald Trump’s team reportedly decided not to sign the letter. New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie also signaled his unwillingness to participate in the letter, noting that he wanted the networks to “set up the stage, put podiums up there, and let’s just go.”
Whether the disparate Republican candidates can reach consensus on their desires for upcoming debates remains to be seen.
