When Republican candidates for governor participate in a public debate on Tuesday, Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter won’t be around to tackle any questions.

Otter isn’t participating in the debate for GOP governor candidates, drawing criticism from his opponents that he’s unwilling to answer questions and face opponents. The debate airs at 8 p.m. Tuesday on Idaho Public Television, featuring candidates Sharon Ullman, an Ada County commissioner, and Rex Rammell, an Idaho Falls veterinarian.

Otter said in a statement that he disagrees with the “proof of an active campaign” criteria used to determine whether candidates can be invited to debates.

GOP gubernatorial candidates not invited to the debate are Tamara Wells, Ron “Pete” Peterson, and Walt Bayes.

“Six Republican candidates met the deadline set forth in Idaho law and filed paperwork to run for the office of Governor,” Otter said. “All should have been invited to attend, regardless of whether a group determines them not qualified to participate. I met some of my Primary opponents at Lincoln Day events around the state in recent months. Each of us had ample opportunity to get voters acquainted with our issues and priorities.”

His opponents say he’s avoiding part of the process, though.

“I find it disappointing,” Ullman said. “I think that any incumbent elected official should be able to stand and face questions. … I think it’s really shameful that the governor would choose to not participate in that process. I wonder why he wouldn’t? Was he somehow fearful?”

Ullman drew a distinction between Otter’s decline of the debate and her style as a commissioner.

“I know as a county commissioner if anybody asks me a question, I’m certainly going to answer,” she said.

Rammell said Otter’s choice to not debate will be an issue in the campaign.

“I think he loses either way,” Rammell said. “If he debates, I show him up. If he doesn’t debate, it shows he’s scared.”

Despite Otter’s explanation, Rammell has another take on why the governor isn’t debating.

“He knows I can beat him,” Rammell said. “That’s why he won’t debate.”

Forgoing in a debate is a common tactic for incumbents who already have an advantage in an election, said James Weatherby, a political science professor emeritus at Boise State University.

“They’re not wanting to give their opponents a stage upon which they can develop greater name recognition,” he said. “Incumbent politicians often determine, especially in a one-party state like Idaho, that there is no downside to not debating.”