I just received a press release from the Virginia Bar Association regarding the online broadcast of the July 25 gubernatorial debate. As previously mentioned, the debate will take place at the Homestead and will be broadcast over the internet from the website, Virginia Talks, and will be interactive.
According to the press release (below the fold), the debate will be moderated by Rod Smolla, dean of the Washington & Lee University School of Law. And, I was surprised to learn, the debate is free and open to the public.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Guy Tower/Kim Kovac (VBA) (804) 644-0041
Jason Roop (VirginiaTalks.com) (804) 358-0825 ext. 323Virginia Gubernatorial Debate to be Broadcast Statewide
The Virginia Bar Association Partners with VirginiaTalks.comThe Virginia Bar Association (VBA) will offer a free, live and interactive statewide broadcast of the only confirmed Virginia gubernatorial debate to be held on July 25 at 11 A.M. at the VBA’s 119th Summer Meeting at The Homestead Resort in Hot Springs, VA.
The project, in partnership with the soon-to-launch web site, VirginiaTalks.com, will provide all Virginia voters with a unique opportunity to join VBA members and other in-person debate attendees at The Homestead in watching Creigh Deeds (D) and Bob McDonnell (R) square off on the most significant issues facing the Commonwealth.
Viewers of the live streaming video will also be able to join a simultaneous, online discussion during the debate and to submit questions that may be selected for presentation to the candidates as part of the debate format. After the event, VirginiaTalks.com will provide free online access to the broadcast of the debate in its entirety through Election Day.
The debate, the latest in a decades-long series of VBA-sponsored debates among candidates for statewide office in Virginia, will be moderated by Rod Smolla, dean of the Washington & Lee University School of Law. The VBA debate traditionally serves as a kickoff to the election season in races for governor and U.S. Senate seats in Virginia.
“We’re honored to partner with The Virginia Bar Association to provide access to this debate across the Commonwealth and beyond,” said Jason Roop, editor in chief of VirginiaTalks.com. “The VBA should be commended for launching this important election season by transforming this special event into one that can be seen and heard by voters everywhere.”
VirginiaTalks.com, an online town square for Virginia, is an ongoing project of Style Weekly Inc., whose flagship publication is a 27-year-old newsweekly located the capital city of Virginia. The mission of VirginiaTalks.com is to provide a platform for citizens to engage in discussions and debates on a wide variety of issues. The web site will serve as an open forum for free expression and public opinion. Facebook users are invited to join the VirginiaTalks.com page, and Twitter users are invited to join the project at http://www.Twitter.com/VirginiaTalks.
The Virginia Bar Association is the oldest and largest voluntary organization of lawyers and judges in Virginia. Its principal mission is improving the law and the administration of justice in Virginia in the public interest. Attendance at VBA-sponsored debates is free and open to the public.
VIVIAN J. PAIGE | All Politics is Local 
Being a lawyer in Roanoke, I never miss the VBA Debate and I’m always stunned at how few non-lawyers make. I suppose its out of the way location and early scheduling drive folks away but it’s always a great event. If you’re in driving distance of the Homestead I strongly encourage to make the trip.