Contact: MP Press 304-552-6167 or
Jesse Johnson 304-541-9841

Mountain Party Nominee Goes to Court to Join Debate

Nominee Johnson Files suit against
WV Broadcasters Assoc & Clay Center

Charleston WV - Today at 1:30 PM Mountain Party nominee for Governor, Jesse Johnson, filed a request for an injunction against the WV Broadcasters Association and the Clay Center to compel them to include all legally recognized and qualified candidates in their Oct. 13th governor’s debate.

“This is the same anti-democratic debate as in 2004,” cited Jesse Johnson who was also the Mountain Party candidate for governor in that election. “If we continue letting corporations “filter” our political debate voters will go to the polls with only partial information.” We need transparency in the political process, not Big Brother deciding who is worthy to let voters hear on televised debates. Our founding fathers would be appalled at how our political discourse is now controlled by commercial interests.”

“This year the WV Broadcasters’ Assoc. has set up an “elite” invitation-only debate that is merely infotainment and a disservice to citizens who want to have all the candidates put their proposals on the table of public airwaves. Both major party candidates are conservative and pro-business. Let’s get some new, progressive ideas in the debate. The Broadcasters use the public airwaves and should let all legally recognized candidates’ ideas into the mix - not just the ones they agree with.”

“The Clay Canter is a public charity and as such cannot endorse or oppose political parties or candidates. If hosting a debate that excludes a nominee that will appear on every ballot in the state isn’t illegal, it should be,” Johnson concluded.

Neither of the other candidates for governor has objected to including Johnson in the debate to be held at the Clay Center in Charleston on the evening of October 13th. In fact, at the Charleston Gazette’s editorial board meeting with Johnson and Governor Joe Manchin last month, Manchin said he had no problem including all nominees in the Broadcaster’s debate. Subsequently, Manchin’s campaign sent a letter to WVBA indication his thoughts on this issue

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