Over the last seven days, Gov. Kay Ivey was missing from public view. Except for two press releases from her office and two from her campaign, there was no hint of the governor’s whereabouts or activities.
Her absence was not missed by her Democrat rival Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox. “Since it’s been seven days now that Governor Kay Ivey has not made any public appearances, I think it begs the question Where is Kay? And Where has she been?”
On Aug. 31, Ivey’s campaign announced an event for Wed. Sept. 5, in Birmingham where Gov. Ivey was to receive a major endorsement for governor, however, on Sept. 4, it was postponed without rescheduling.
According to campaign Communications Director Debbee Hancock, the announcement was postponed. Hancock added, “Stay tuned.”
Maddox campaign Spokesperson Chip Hill took to Twitter to question Ivey’s absence.
“It’s been almost a week since any new photos of Governor Ivey have been posted on any on her work or campaign social media sites. Governor Ivey shouldn’t hide from the people who pay her salary.
It’s been almost a week since any new photos of Governor Ivey have been posted on any on her work or campaign social media sites. Governor Ivey shouldn’t hide from the people who pay her salary. #ALPolitics #alpolitics
— Chip Hill (@Chip_Hill) September 6, 2018
Ivey has refused to debate Maddox and has only held limited public appearances, which are primarily kept to ribbon-cuttings and other controlled events.
On Twitter, Maddox contrasts his efforts with those of Ivey’s.
“With 18 campaign events over the last 7 days, we are being relentless. From donors to volunteers, we are dominating the field. Montgomery Insiders are scrambling, because the politics of yesterday no longer works.”
With 18 campaign events over the last 7 days, we are being relentless. From donors to volunteers, we are dominating the field. Montgomery Insiders are scrambling, because the politics of yesterday no longer works. #Alabama is ready to #believe in its leadership. #alpolitics
— Walt Maddox (@WaltMaddox) September 7, 2018
Maddox also posted a video poking Ivey for her unwillingness to debate him on topics of concern to voters.
Debate Topic #9: Alabama Pre-K #believe #alpolitics pic.twitter.com/01nTW467uf
— Walt Maddox (@WaltMaddox) September 7, 2018
Gov. Ivey says only the media cares about debates and is dissing calls to face Maddox as political stunts.
Ivey’s office offered no public statement about Gov. Ivey’s whereabouts over the seven days in question.
