Denver City Wire

Heidi Ganahl's campaign issued a press release stating that Ganahl will not participate in a debate that was proposed by Denver’s 9News, pointing to biased reporting by one of the network's "non-negotiable moderators."

“Heidi is a fighter who has stood up against intimidation, whether it was in the board room or Board of Regents, and she makes no exception for biased broadcast networks,” Asa Dyer, Ganahl’s campaign manager, said in a release.

The release claims that network executives have been unwilling to acknowledge that the proposed moderator had exhibited bias and slandered political candidates, even when shown unaffiliated research and supporting evidence. 

The release noted that the Ganahl campaign has invited Polis to participate in debates multiple times, but suggested that the incumbent governor has been unwilling to leave "the comfort of Denver."

Previously, Polis declined to attend the first of Colorado's gubernatorial debates, which took place on Sept. 10 in Grand Junction, Centennial State News reported. Ganahl called Polis' absence "unfortunate, but not unexpected.”

The two candidates did come to terms for one debate that was held in September at Colorado State University Pueblo, Colorado Newsline reported. The forum was hosted by the Greater Pueblo Chamber of Commerce, and Sara Blackhurst, Action 22 CEO, acted as moderator. The candidates debated key issues including energy policy, public safety, water rights and the role of state government. Polis claimed Ganahl has been too critical of Colorado and said the governor should function as the state's "chief marketing officer," while Ganahl called out Polis for "soft on crime" legislation that she sees as contributing to the state's problems with fentanyl and car thefts.

Ganahl and Polis are also scheduled to debate on Thursday, according to the Colorado Sun, which will host the event in conjunction with CBS4.