Senator Marsha Blackburn joined Congressman John Rose in the Republican Primary for Governor this week.

 However, it seems she is not planning to join him for any political debates or joint town halls as part of their campaigns, based upon her comments during a radio interview Friday morning on WCLE 103.4 in Cleveland, TN.

During the interview Blackburn touted her legislative accomplishments and support for President Trump. She said her campaign would focus on improving many things in the state: “It’s going to be a great time for Tennessee to innovate on how we deliver education and health care, how we produce energy, how we fight crime, how we handle regulations.”

But when Blackburn was asked if she would debate her opponents, or begin holding any joint town meetings, she did not directly answer the question or commit to any debates. Instead  she responded that she “talks to Tennesseans every day.”

Rose has welcomed Blackburn to the race. Despite the fact that Blackburn enjoys a significant lead over Rose one year prior to the primary election date next August, Rose’s team is confident he will close the gap.

Despite Blackburn’s apparent reluctance to commit to debates Rose seems raring to engage with her. He posted Saturday on his X account that he is “looking forward to the robust debate (and debates) in the year ahead! It’s all for the good of Tennessee.” 

Steve Gill is Publisher of TriStar Daily.