Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford declined invitations to participate in a debate during the Nevada Democratic gubernatorial primary. Washoe County Commissioner Alexis Hill says that media outlets have offered to set up a debate or forum but Ford's campaign declined.

"Is he scared or what? What's the issue here?" Hill said. The Washoe County Commissioner questioned Ford's decision to avoid debate forums ahead of the June 9 primary.

Ford defended his campaign strategy of direct voter outreach. "What I have learned is that talking directly to voters is the best way to get the word out. I'm going to continue doing that. She can continue doing that as well, and that's where we're going to leave it," Ford said.

Ford conducted a 17-county listening tour as part of his gubernatorial campaign. "Like I said, right now we're going to focus on getting our word right out to Nevadans," Ford said.

Hill countered that direct voter contact and debate participation are both essential campaign activities. "That is part of running for office, talking to voters. Of course. I do that every day," she said. "But I also believe that if you are going to run for office, you better be ready to defend your career of public service, what you've done for the state, what you want to do for the state, and the best way to do that are these open forums."

"Debates are good for democracy and the Democratic Party," she said. Hill expressed confusion about the controversy surrounding a debate request in a contested primary race. "I just don't understand why there even should be controversy about a debate for a contested primary for a governor's race. This is a contested primary. This is an open seat as far as Democrats are concerned," she said.

As of January 15, Ford's campaign reported $1.5 million in funds, compared to $306,000 reported by Hill's campaign. U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto endorsed Ford, announcing her endorsement the same week Hill announced her gubernatorial campaign.

Ford and Hill are the only two Democrats running for governor whose campaigns have garnered any traction. Three other Democratic candidates, James Cooper, Emile Bouari, and Miqehl Bayfield, filed to run for governor in Nevada.

Nevada's primary is scheduled for Tuesday, June 9. Nevada has closed primaries, meaning only registered Democrats or Republicans can cast ballots in partisan races.