DALLAS - If the debate stalemate between Republican Gov. Rick Perry and Democratic opponent Bill White isn't broken soon, it will be the first governor's race in 20 years without a formal debate.
But, the similarities between now and 1990, which is when Democrat Ann Richards and Republican Clayton Williams did not debate, may end there.
Perry refuses to debate until White releases all his tax returns. White says he won't.
"It changed it dramatically," said Glenn Smith, a former Richards campaign manager, of how it changes the race. "In fact, I think it made all the difference in the world."
Smith managed Richards 1990 campaign, which was when Williams also made a demand that she sign a pledge to end what Williams called negative campaigning. She didn't.
Smith said a joint appearance where Williams refused to shake Richards hand ended any chance of a debate, but provided a sharp contrast in a close race that favored Richards.
"He was very camera shy as far as appearing with Ann went," Smith said.
Other than the ultimatum from one candidate to the other, the dynamics 20 years later are much different. Perry leads in polls and doesn't need to debate, although his former speechwriter, Eric Bearse, said he's ready.
"I think he wants to debate," he said. "He's done well on the stage in past races."
Bearse said it's fair to demand White justify his business record.
"The only qualification he's running on is his business record, but he won't reveal details about it from the 1990s," he said.
"He doesn't want to debate," Smith countered. "He wants his message to be done in paid advertising."
With no television debate, there are risks to both. White doesn't get the side-by-side comparison he needs. Perry could look unaccountable and aloof, turning off some voters.
E-mail: bwatson@wfaa.com
