Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick has issued a challenge to debate television star Geraldo Rivera, over concerns raised by his opponents.
Patrick, the incumbent Republican Lieutenant Governor, issued a debate challenge this week to Rivera over Twitter. Patrick challenged Rivera to the debate to discuss immigration issues and asked Fox News host and radio star Sean Hannity to host the debate.
Following the challenge, the Texas Democratic Party issued a statement, condemning Patrick for attempting to debate Rivera while not agreeing to a debate with his Democratic counterpart, Mike Collier.
"Agreeing to debate a TV personality instead of his opponent shows a blatant disregard for the people he serves," Collier said in the Texas Democratic Party's statement.
Libertarian challenger Kerry Douglas McKennon also issued a statement, saying that he hopes Patrick will agree to a full debate between the three candidates.
"Demand the Full Debate, Texas!," McKennon's campaign said on Facebook. Dan Patrick agrees to Debate Geraldo Rivera, but he refuses to debate opponents Kerry McKennon or Mike Collier."
The three candidates will meet for the general election in November.
Dan Patrick
Photo by Patrick Campaign