Wehby campaign spokesman Dean Petrone said that the Wehby campaign never confirmed that she would show up for the joint interview session at Willamette Week. Petrone said she "had a full schedule" of campaign events Saturday, but he refused to say what she did instead of being in the same room with Merkley and the other candidates. He insisted that Wehby is not trying to avoid appearances with Merkley. "It's a ridiculous assertion," he said. "Monica is looking for any chance she could get to discuss the issues with Sen. Merkley."

WW managing editor for news Brent Walth booked the endorsement interview appointment through Petrone back in July. Walth says Petrone is the one who set the date and time, and confirmed the appointment. "He told us when she would be available, and we scheduled everyone else around her," Walth says. "They then ignored all calls and reminders about the appointment, and stood everyone up."



