The debate over debates in the West Virginia governor's race is over: Democratic candidate Jim Justice will face off against Republican opponent Bill Cole twice in October.
Justice, owner of The Greenbrier resort, announced Friday that he will take part in debates on Oct. 4 and 11.
Cole, a car dealer who serves as the West Virginia Senate's president, had pressed for seven debates in cities across the state.
"I'm looking forward to two debates focused on jobs and education," Justice said in a news release. "Politicians have made debates a circus, and are always trying to hide behind sound bites. Not me."
The West Virginia Press Association will sponsor the Oct. 4 debate at the Clay Center, in Charleston. The Oct. 11 debate, sponsored by the West Virginia Broadcasters Association, will be at the same venue.
Cole previously had committed to appear at both debates.
"Bill Cole is glad that Jim Justice caved to pressure and stopped ducking debates by agreeing to the two Bill agreed to two weeks ago," said Kent Gates, Cole's campaign spokesman. "I'm sure the topics will include, but won't be limited to, education and jobs, like Jim Justice wants."
Only Cole and Justice have been invited to take part in both debates. Mountain Party candidate Charlotte Pritt and Libertarian David Moran also are running for governor in West Virginia.
Cole has accused Justice's camp of requesting numerous debate stipulations. Justice aides call the accusations "lies."
West Virginia Public Broadcasting's Ashton Marra likely will moderate the first debate, while MetroNews talk show host Hoppy Kercheval is expected to moderate the Oct. 11 debate.
AARP West Virginia also is a sponsor of the Oct. 4 debate.
Reach Eric Eyre at ericeyre@wvgazettemail.com, 304-348-4869 or follow @ericeyre on Twitter.