Debate Schedule Set, Risch Withdraws - East Idaho News
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Debate Schedule Set, Risch Withdraws

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(BOISE, ID) — Idaho Public Television will air seven live debates for statewide and congressional positions during October. “The Idaho Debates” will feature candidates on the November ballot.

The race between incumbent Republican Jim Risch and Democratic challenger Nels Mitchell will not be debated. Betsy Russell, who is president of the panel that organizes the debate, tells the Idaho Statesman that the two were scheduled to debate on Oct. 12 but was canceled after Risch withdrew.

Risch’s campaign manager, Melinda Smyser, said in a letter to “Idaho Debates” organizers, “It has been the senator’s custom to do one debate with his opponent,” and Risch already has agreed to debate Mitchell on KTVB.

The debates are co-sponsored by the Idaho Press Club and the League of Women Voters of Idaho.

Here is the schedule:

Oct. 7, 7 p.m.: Idaho secretary of state debate, featuring Republican Lawerence Denney and Democrat Holli Woodings.

Oct. 9, 7 p.m.: 1st Congressional District debate, featuring GOP Rep. Raul Labrador and Democratic challenger Shirley Ringo.

Oct. 9, 8:30 p.m.: Idaho state treasurer debate, featuring GOP Treasurer Ron Crane and Democratic challenger Deborah Silver.

Oct. 21, 7 p.m.: Idaho superintendent of public instruction debate, featuring GOP candidate Sherri Ybarra and Democratic candidate Jana Jones.

Oct. 26, 7 p.m.: 2nd Congressional District debate, featuring GOP Rep. Mike Simpson and Democratic challenger Richard Stallings.

Oct. 30, 7 p.m.: Idaho governor debate, featuring GOP Gov. Butch Otter, Democratic challenger A.J. Balukoff and Libertarian candidate John Bujak.

Oct. 30, 8:30 p.m.: Idaho lieutenant governor debate, featuring GOP Lt. Gov. Brad Little and Democratic challenger Bert Marley.

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