NORFOLK, Va. — The Republican candidate running for Virginia's lieutenant governor "debated" against an AI-generated version of his opponent.

John Reid released the video after he said State Senator Ghazala Hashmi refused all options for an in-person debate.

"The people of Virginia deserve to hear from their candidates, and she is the only statewide candidate who has refused to debate," said Reid.

The 42-minute video depicted Hashmi's voice and physical likeness as it gave programmed answers. Reid's team said the AI was programmed to give real answers Hashmi has said in the past, both on the voting record and in media interviews.

Hashmi's "answers" typically lasted for less than a minute, as Reid then responded at his leisure. Reid called it a fair process since his opponent has refu

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