The People’s Debate

With the announcement that the two gubernatorial candidates, Democrat Creigh Deeds and Republican Bob McDonnell, will be debating in late July at the pricey Homestead resort, I was reminded of an email that I received back in May and that I promised to post once the primary was over.

On May 4, AARP and The League of Women Voters held a press conference announcing their intention to hold a gubernatorial debate on October 12. The debate, dubbed The People’s Debate, will be televised live throughout the Commonwealth and will be moderated by Judy Woodruff. As noted in the press release, voters will be able to submit questions through the internet.

I hope to hear that the candidates have agreed to this debate. Having direct input from the voters is, I think, a critical part of our democracy.

The entire press release is below the fold.

AARP Virginia and League of Women Voters of Virginia

to Host 2009 Race for Governor of Virginia

The People’s Debate

Richmond, May 4, 2009 – AARP Virginia and the League of Women Voters of Virginia announced today that they have joined forces to produce the only statewide broadcast gubernatorial debate, slated for October 12.  AARP Virginia State Director Bill Kallio said, “We believe it is time that Virginia tradition included a debate focused on the interests and concerns of voters and seen by more than a small select group of people. Often candidates drag their feet in accepting invitations for public debates, waiting to see what strategic advantage they can gain. We hope none of the candidates will do that this year and will accept the invitation to the people’s candidate forum as soon as their nomination is official.”

This unique debate, organized by the largest membership organization in the state, AARP Virginia with over 1 million members, and the League of Women Voters of Virginia whose sole purpose is to encourages the informed and active participation of citizens in government, will ask the candidates to go on record about issues important to the average Virginian.

The debate will be moderated by veteran political reporter and senior correspondent for The NewsHour with Jim Lehrer, Judy Woodruff and will be broadcast live across the state by all PBS television and radio stations and most commercial networks.  League of Women Voters of Virginia President Olga Hernandez said, “Unlike other traditional gubernatorial debates held in Virginia, The People’s Debate will feature an online component allowing voters to submit their own questions to the candidates.  We are very excited to give the average Virginian a voice in this debate.”

Letters of intention were delivered to the state Republican and Democratic Party headquarters Friday.  Letters of invitation will be issued to each party’s nominee immediately following the certification of their primary election results.

AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization that helps people 50+ have independence, choice and control in ways that are beneficial and affordable to them and society as a whole. AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to either political campaigns or candidates. We produce AARP The Magazine, the definitive voice for 50+ Americans and the world’s largest-circulation magazine with over 34.5 million readers; AARP Bulletin, the go-to news source for AARP’s 40 million members and Americans 50+; AARP Segunda Juventud, the only bilingual U.S. publication dedicated exclusively to the 50+ Hispanic community; and our website, AARP.org. AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity that provides security, protection, and empowerment to older persons in need with support from thousands of volunteers, donors, and sponsors. We have staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

The League of Women Voters of Virginia, a nonpartisan political organization, encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy.   We never endorse parties or candidates for office.  Voter Service is one of the League’s most important functions. The LWV-VA has a strong history of hosting community public issue forums and candidate debates.   The LWV-VA also publishes a non-partisan Voters Guide for statewide candidates and many of our local affiliates issue Guides for local elections.  So that voters may compare the candidates’ views, our Voters Guides allow all certified candidates to answer the same questions, unedited.  We publish a legislative directory, Your Virginia Government and various other educational materials for public use.  Visit out website at http://www.LWV-VA.org.

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