RNC Debate Plan Unpopular With Candidates

Politico reports:

Representatives of three potential GOP presidential candidates expressed concerns this weekend about the Republican National Committee’s proposal to sanction a series of monthly primary debates.

The aides said the plan - under which the RNC would determine the format and moderators for each of their approved forums - would take too much power out of the hands of the candidates and likely add more debates to a calendar already stocked with them.

“This is a matter that should be left to the campaigns, ” said a staffer to one likely hopeful. “The RNC should be focused on Democrats and Obama. The ownership over this belongs to the campaigns. We can work with one another to come to an agreement.”

An adviser to a second probable candidate called the party’s proposal “well-intentioned” but “misguided.”

“It will not rectify the concerns campaigns have expressed over the debate process as it will increase the number of debates, ” said the adviser. “It seems like there are easier ways to help the RNC with its financial condition.”

A representative of a third campaign added: “It would contradict the idea of having less debates.

Asked about the concerns, RNC communications director Sean Spicer indicated that the committee welcomed the response and wanted to work with the campaigns.

“The reason we’re going through this process is to get our candidates’ feedback on what would make for the most successful outcome of the primary season,” said Spicer.

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