Two of the three Republican candidates for Governor are Robert Foster (Rep.) and Bill Waller Jr., Jr. Lt. Governor. The debate is scheduled for April 2. Tate Reeves (a third candidate who is vying for the GOP primary in August) declined an invitation. WJTV was contracted by the Mississippi State University College Republicans (and the Department of Political Science) to broadcast the debate. Mississippi Today received the show via emails. Top officials at the university cancelled plans to broadcast the live broadcast after the station asked for broadcast access. This was due to a scheduling conflict and insufficient time to plan logistics. Sid Salter is chief communications officer at Mississippi State University. “There were two issues: It was too late to secure parking and logistics and run through legal and security but it’s also on a very important Phi Beta Kappa event which will require most our office’s resources that morning.” Salter said, “A large institution is like a battleship. It doesn’t turn on the dime.” Independent production companies are not allowed to operate in our buildings without supervision from the University Television Center. Televised debates have been a great way for candidates to be seen. This would be especially helpful for Foster, a new legislator, and Waller, who is a former governor of Mississippi but does not appear often on TV as a state supreme judge justice. Foster stated that it was unfortunate that Mississippians who cannot attend the debate won’t have the chance to see it live on television and learn more about who their next CEO will be. Foster said that any censorship of this debate is not only a disservice for our state, but also is not in the best interest of our taxpayers. Jared Solomon, Waller’s communications director, stated, “Any censorship is creating a disservice for our state, but it is also in the best interests our taxpayers.” When asked why he didn’t take part in the debate on April 2, Reeves, president of the Senate, stated that he supports debates being broadcast via radio, television and online. The year’s work was completed by the Legislature on March 29, a week ahead of schedule. Reeves has been considered the front-runner to win the Republican nomination. He also has strong ties to Mississippi State University. Reeves, a Millsaps College alumnus, is a well-known Bulldogs fan. He can often be seen walking through the Davis Wade Stadium skyboxes. Rhonda Keenum (wife of Mark Keenum), sits on Reeves’ campaign finance committee. Todd Reeves is the brother of the lieutenant governor and sits on Bulldog Club’s board of directors. Bully Bloc is a powerful alumni group and friends of the university that wrote Reeves a $50,000 check in 2018. It had previously given several smaller donations. Salter was asked whether Reeves had influenced the university’s decision not to broadcast the debate. Nothing. Nothing.”