"Several media organizations and non-profit organizations, including KOBI-NBC TV, KATU-ABC TV, Portland State University, KGW-NBC TV and Children First for Oregon, may have extended debate invitations to the Democratic and Republican nominees for Governor but not to the Independent Party nominee, Patrick Starnes," the IPO said in a statement. "Under Oregon law, any public forum or debate must invite all major party candidates for the office, or else the cost of the debate (and advertising for the debate) becomes an in-kind campaign contribution to the candidates who are invited."