BLACKSBURG, Va. (WTVR) – In a statement released following Thursday night’s Virginia gubernatorial debate in Blacksburg, Libertarian candidate Robert Sarvis called the political system a farce.
“We’ve allowed our political system to become closed off from competition and good ideas, by letting the major-party candidates choose the terms of debate and exclude candidates like me. It’s long past tragedy. It’s become a complete farce,” his statement read.
Sarvis was reacting to being left out of Thursday’s debate, despite his contention that he has enough support to warrant inclusion. Recent polls show Sarvis getting between 8 and 10 percent of the vote.
Before the debate, Sarvis told CBS 6 political reporter Joe St. George why he believes his campaign has struck a chord with fed up Virginia voters.
"Elections are about accountability and this is the perfect election in which to hold both parties accountable. They nominated two candidates who exemplify the worst of their parties and we're the only campaign that's running a positive campaign standing on principles of freedom and the rule of law."
Following the debate, Sarvis offered his take away.
"The debate didn't offer much value for voters. This is what two men without ideas or depth look like," he said in a statement.
