Lt. Gov. Lt. Gov. The April 2 debate sponsored by the Mississippi State University College Republicans, Department of Political Science will instead feature Reeves’ GOP primary rivals, Rep. Robert Foster, and former Supreme Court Chief Judge Bill Waller Jr. “We look forward to discussing the issues in the race and we anticipate that we will have the opportunity to do so many times throughout the state. This one didn’t work.” The session, where the lieutenant governor preside over the Senate, is set to conclude April 7. The day of the debate will be a working day for the Legislature. Last week, legislative leaders stated that they were trying to complete work two weeks earlier than expected. The goal is to leave Jackson in the last week March. Starkville Daily News was told by event organizers that they tried to make sure Waller could attend. Foster said via text message that Foster is pleased to hear Waller had decided to take part in the debate, so voters can make informed decisions about how to vote. “At the exact same time, it should concern the voters not to receive the same from all the gubernatorial candidate in the Republican primary.” Reeves’ departure comes after GOP frontrunners withdrew several invitations to debate during a contentious 2018 midterm, despite polls showing that Mississippians wanted to hear candidates debate. The party’s frontrunners in the two U.S. Senate seats up-for grabs last year were Sen. Roger Wicker, who is now serving as Senator, and Sen. Cindy Hyde Smith, who was appointed to replace Wicker. Wicker, who was facing Democrat David Baria during the general election, declined many debate invitations from the Baria campaign or potential event sponsors. Baria invented the term “Roger Dodger”, which he used throughout his campaign as a fundraising tool. Hyde-Smith was appointed by Gov. In April, Phil Bryant faced Democrat Mike Espy in a special election. Republican Chris McDaniel was facing him in November. Hyde-Smith declined numerous invitations to debate throughout the campaign. Hyde Smith and Espy fought in one debate sponsored by Farm Bureau. This was a friendly affair between Hyde Smith and Espy. Espy claimed that debate rules were rigged to favor Hyde Smith after Hyde Smith appeared to read from notes throughout much of the debate. Hyde-Smith pointed out, however, that Espy had also agreed to the same rules as she. Reeves will face Foster and Waller in an Aug. 6 primary. In the November general election, the winner of the primary will be facing one of nine Democratic candidates for governor. Waller stated that he was looking forward to returning to Mississippi State University and that he appreciated the students hosting the debate. The candidates will have the opportunity to discuss important issues. “We need new ideas to address the problems facing our state.”