Pillen has far more to lose by not stepping on debate stage

Nebraska’s Republican candidate for governor in the November general election remains the best choice for the job, though he is making a mistake by rejecting an invitation to debate Democrat Carol Blood.
We endorsed Jim Pillen as the best man in the May primary, based on our assumption that he has proven himself as a trusted voice of reason, and is someone not afraid to take bold stands and fight for his conservative ideals. He’s proud of and clear on his priorities, saying his campaign is rooted in four words — kids, taxes, agriculture and values.
None of that has changed, though the pig farmer from Columbus and current NU Board of Regents member invited doubt and skepticism by declining an opportunity to discuss and debate the issues of the day, face to face with his opponent.
Though not well known statewide before he was elected to the Board of Regents, Pillen has been outspoken with his views, speaking out against mask mandates early on as well as sharing candid and specific concerns with the 30-by-30 initiative, proposed sex education standards and promotion of Critical Race Theory. That demonstrates his ability to think on his own, express his views publicly, then take the criticism or praise as it comes, which in this day and age is guaranteed. Overall, his views on these and other major issues of the day align with the majority of Nebraskans, which in our view makes him the favorite come November. All of that begs the question as to why Pillen would throw up a cloud of confusion by declining to debate his Democratic opponent. To date he has offered little if any explanation for his decision, which frankly isn’t good enough.
Without a clear explanation, voters are left to wonder why Pillen would take a stand that leaves him looking weak, or at the very least lacking self-confidence in front of a live audience. We know that he is not as familiar with the legislative process, while Blood has experience as a Nebraska lawmaker, which is yet another reason he should want to demonstrate to voters that he can in fact handle himself, unscripted if necessary, in front of a microphone.
On that note, Pillen makes a better impression in person than he did in his campaign, which focused on some early television ads that frankly distracted from his message and mission. A live debate, televised in prime time for all Nebraskans to see, would serve him well.
More than that, however, as a candidate for governor Pillen needs to be open and honest with Nebraskans about whatever he is thinking or doing. He has already made this a red-flag issue by initially side-stepping the debate stage, but he can and should take the high road and agree to a face to face Q&A format with Blood in the weeks ahead. There is still time.
Kurt Johnson