Who flip-flopped? Honestly, does anyone care about flip-flops on debates, though? Blackwell's flip-flop on Brinkman's bill to criminalize all abortions as reflected in today's Cincinnati Enquirer is a serious flip-flop. But I don't see any word on it.....

Columbus, Ohio - David Wilhelm offered the following statement today after initial contact with the Blackwell Campaign suggested that they are not willing to meet to discuss a possible debate schedule and format.

"We reached out to the Blackwell campaign in a good faith effort today. I suggested that we sit down this Monday, June 19, 2006, to discuss the dates, times and format of a series of debates. Unfortunately, the Blackwell campaign rebuffed our offer to sit down and work together to determine the best dates, times and formats to maximize public participation in the best possible forums around the state."

"We are ready and prepared to sit down with Mr. Blackwell's representatives at any time and sincerely hope they change course and agree to open discussions. Unfortunately, the Blackwell campaign's present unwillingness to meet and discuss debate dates, times and formats lead one to believe that they are not as serious about participating in debates."

The Strickland for Governor campaign pointed out that Blackwell had agreed to a debate planning process just yesterday in its own press release:

"Each week, Blackwell will issue a new list of proposed times and dates with the hope a few will accommodate Strickland's schedule. In addition, he invited Strickland to assign a team that will work with the Blackwell campaign to coordinate logistical issues." (Blackwell for Governor press release, 6-12-06).