The first of three debates for governor is scheduled for this weekend, when Democrat Ralph Northam will square off with Republican Ed Gillespie at the Homestead Resort in Hot Springs. But theres one candidate whos not invited to the party.

Libertarian candidate Cliff Hyra spent months collecting signatures of voters to get on the ballot statewide. Last month, the Virginia Department of Elections said he qualified to be on the ballot in every jurisdiction in Virginia. But when voters are confronted with his name they might not know anything about him. Thats because debate organizers of the three debates for governor have not invited him to participate. The first debate is this weekend at the Homestead Resort in Hot Springs during the annual meeting of the Virginia Bar Association. Hyra is not invited. The last Libertarian candidate for governor, Robert Sarvis, says thats not fair to voters.

"Its basically undermining the ability of the people to hear different ideas and to see everybody whos going to be on their ballot. When theres only three people who are going to be on the ballot, theres no argument for keeping people out.

The bar association policy for who gets to be part of the debate says candidates must be significant to participate, which they define as someone who does well in polling, has raised a significant amount of money and attracted a fair amount of media coverage. The policy doesnt include any specific numbers for polling or fundraising, leaving it to the judgment of the organizers. So far, Hyra isn't making the cut.

This report, provided byVirginia Public Radio, was made possible with support from theVirginia Education Association.

More:

First Gubernatorial Debate Does Not Include Libertarian Candidate - WVTF