Pollster: No reason for more governor debates

PHOENIX -- Arizona State University pollster Bruce Merrill does not see Gov. Jan Brewer's much-criticized performance in Wednesday night's debate as having much effect on her lead in the governor's race.

Merrill gave Democratic challenger Terry Goddard high marks, but expressed doubt that he will cut into Brewer's double-digit lead in the polls.

Before the debate, a Rasmussen poll had Republican Brewer 19 points ahead of Goddard.

One debate was required under Arizona's Clean Elections Law, which governs both the Brewer and Goddard campaigns. Merrill said he does not expect any more debates between the candidates.

"It's not because of her (Brewer's) performance in this debate," he said. "When you're quite ahead in the polls, you don't want to give your opponent any free advertising, particularly when Terry Goddard is running as a 'clean' candidate."

Merrill added, "With the governor ahead, I don't think it would be smart politically for her to debate, even if she came out of this debate being the winner. I think it would not be smart to give your opponent additional information."

Merrill said Libertarian Barry Hess did well in Wednesday's debate.

"I kind of liked Hess' emphasis on really trying to keep the debate focused on the economy and I thought he came across as quite articulate."

Brewer told News/Talk 92.3 KTAR's Bruce St. James Thursday that she does not anticipate any more debates. She said both she and Goddard have long records in public office and that she stands on her record.

Goddard has called for as many as five debates.