The Register-Herald, Beckley, West Virginia

Local News

September 5, 2010

Rahall, Maynard debate set for Tuesday

By Charles Owens For The Register-Herald

BLUEFIELD — One of the country’s most closely watched congressional races will take center stage Tuesday in Bluefield when 3rd District Rep. Nick Rahall, D-W.Va., and Republican challenger Elliott “Spike” Maynard square off in the first of two televised debates.

The debate gets under way at 7 p.m. at the Bluefield High School Performing Arts Center before a live audience. The event is the first of two debates sponsored by The Register-Herald, Bluefield Daily Telegraph and WVVA-TV.

The debate is open to the public. Questions will be asked by two moderators.

Carl “Butch” Antolini, general manager and executive editor of The Register-Herald said, “As the information leaders in our communities, it is our responsibility to do the best we can to inform and educate voters about candidates seeking public office.

“These two debates help us in these efforts and we encourage citizens to attend. If they can’t be there, then tune in to the live broadcast on WVVA Tuesday at 7 p.m. and then read about it in The Register-Herald and the Bluefield Daily Telegraph on Wednesday.”

Daily Telegraph managing editor Samantha Perry added, “We are excited that both Congressman Rahall and Justice Maynard have accepted our invitation to participate in the debates. We are happy that the Telegraph, along with our media partners, The Register-Herald and WVVA, can present this opportunity to further educate the voters of southern West Virginia.”

Those who may not be able to attend Tuesday’s debate in person can still tune in and watch it live and commercial-free on WVVA from 7 to 8 p.m., WVVA general manager Frank Brady said.

“It’s just good to see the local news media working together to provide this kind of important public service,” Brady said. “It’s nice to see us doing a joint venture that is good for the public.”

Brady said Tuesday’s debate is a good way for voters to learn about the candidates.

“I think it’s a pretty good opportunity for people to get an idea on where the candidates stand on certain issues,” Brady said.

A second debate between Rahall and Maynard will be held at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 26, at Carter Hall on the campus of Mountain State University in Beckley.

— Charles Owens is a member of the Bluefield Daily Telegraph editorial staff.

Text Only
Local News