Democratic gubernatorial nominee Karl Dean had the spotlight Thursday at an industry luncheon intended to feature him and opponent Bill Lee, though the event itself was overshadowed by Lee’s unexpected absence.

Dean and Lee, the Republican nominee in the Nov. 6 general election, had committed to appear at a “governors luncheon” hosted by Farmers Insurance, American Insurance Association and Baker Donelson, said Harvey Fischer, an event organizer and lobbyist for Farmers Insurance.

Just before the event, which was held at the Embassy Suites in Murfreesboro, Fischer said Lee’s campaign manager Chris Devaney called to say Lee would be unable to attend due to a conflict.

“It’s good to know I have met the minimum qualifications,” Dean joked as he took the stage. “I am a live candidate.”

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While Fischer told reporters Lee’s campaign also had canceled three weeks ago on a forum for the two candidates set for Thursday night at Middle Tennessee State University — an event Fischer said the state Democratic and Republican parties had agreed to in March — state GOP officials disputed that claim.

Candice Dawkins, communications director for the Tennessee Republican Party, said the party “never agreed to anything” regarding the forum Thursday night, as there still wasn’t a nominee at the time the party spoke with Fischer about the event.

Fischer said that at the time Lee’s campaign informed him weeks ago they wouldn’t be able to take part in the evening MTSU forum, they still agreed to attend the noon luncheon for an hour and a half.

“Absolutely, it’s a disappointment,” Fischer said as the event began Thursday. “These people paid money to be here today for this luncheon.”

About 25 local businesses sponsored tables at the luncheon, which drew roughly 300 attendees. Both candidates were expected to speak and take part in a question-and-answer session.

The news appeared to come as a surprise to everyone, including state Rep. Ron Travis, R-Dayton, who was tapped at the last minute to give a fill-in speech for Lee.

“I’ve known this for about 25 minutes now,” Travis said as he stood behind the lectern on stage. He began with an off-the-cuff introduction before reading talking points provided to him by the Lee campaign.

Debates:Bill Lee, Karl Dean set to participate in three debates in Tennessee governor's race

While it was still unclear during the event why Lee couldn’t come, the campaign released a statement after the luncheon citing a miscommunication as the reason, and again later denying that they had canceled any event.

“This was an unfortunate miscommunication, and we regret not being there for the event,” Lee spokeswoman Laine Arnold said. “We apologize to the organizers and attendees for any error.”

Later in the evening, the Lee campaign issued a follow-up statement that they "did not 'cancel' any forums slated for (Thursday). Insinuations to the contrary are inaccurate," Arnold said, citing three upcoming debates scheduled between the two candidates.

Lee spent the day in East Tennessee as part of his “Believe in Tennessee” tour around the state.

After the event, Rutherford County Mayor Bill Ketron, who served as an emcee, said he was stunned to hear as he walked in that Lee wouldn’t be there.

“I said, ‘Are you kidding?’ ” Ketron, who until recently was a longtime Republican state senator, told reporters after the luncheon. “I thought everything was worked out.”

He said he imagined Lee had been unaware of the scheduling gaffe, but had hoped attendees could hear both candidates.

“I wish that everybody who came anticipating he was going to be here would have had an opportunity to hear from him,” Ketron said.

Dean took the stage anyway, speaking about his priorities of Medicaid expansion and improving education and economic development.

He highlighted his commitment to bipartisan cooperation.

“I do not think we’re looking for anyone who’s going to look at issues solely through partisan eyes or look at things from a vantage point where the only thing that matters is ideology,” Dean said.

Concerning his thoughts on Lee not appearing with him Thursday, Dean said after the luncheon his campaign had accepted all invitations for joint appearances with Lee and “would love to spend more time on stage with Mr. Lee addressing the issues.”

“It shouldn’t be a mystery what we think,” he said.

The two are scheduled to take part in their first of three televised debates Oct. 2 at the University of Memphis. The debate, hosted by USA TODAY NETWORK – Tennessee and WMC-TV, will be followed by debates Oct. 9 in Kingsport and Oct. 12 in Nashville.

Reach Natalie Allison at nallison@tennessean.com. Follow her on Twitter at @natalie_allison.