An upcoming Republican primary debate could see a major shift in format if organizers accept a new proposal from one of the campaigns.
James Fishback, a Republican candidate for Florida Governor who is currently polling in second place, is calling on ActionNewsJAX to invite Governor Ron DeSantis to serve as the sole moderator for the July 15th primary debate.
The event is scheduled to take place before a live audience at the University of North Florida in Jacksonville. Alongside Fishback, fellow Republican candidates Byron Donalds, Paul Renner, and Jay Collins have all been invited to participate.
Fishback argues that DeSantis’s extensive track record in office makes him the most qualified person to handle the questioning.
“There is no more qualified person to moderate this debate,” said Fishback. “Governor DeSantis knows the issues better than anyone because he has worked on them for the past eight years. He built the record we are all competing to build on. He should be the one asking us questions.”
According to Fishback, because DeSantis has led the state through major policy battles involving law and order, education, immigration, and public safety, he has a unique perspective that would allow him to effectively press the candidates on specific legislative substance.
Fishback is a businessman and a fourth-generation Floridian whose campaign focuses on building on the current governor’s platform. He has formally requested that the broadcasting network extend the official moderation invitation to DeSantis for the July event.
READ: Ballot Locked: Byron Donalds Powers Into Florida Governor Race With $81M War Chest
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