Published: September 06, 2008 09:33 pm            

Awaiting word

POLITICAL DEBATES

Schedule

• Oct. 1: Lafayette Park Middle School, 919 N. Korby St., Howard County commissioner.

• Oct. 8: Central Middle School, 303 E. Superior St., candidates for state House District 30 and District 38.

• Date, place and time to be determined: U.S. Rep. Joe Donnelly, D-Ind., vs. Republican Luke Puckett.

Debate candidates

• Brad Bagwell, R, county commissioner.

• Bill Thompson, D, county commissioner.

• Tyler Moore, R, county commissioner.

• Bob Hayes, D, county commissioner.

• Ron Herrell, D, state House District 30.

• Jason Miller, R, District 30.

• Bob Snow, D, state House District 38.

• Jacque Clements, R, District 38.



Labor Day has come and gone. The Republican and Democratic national conventions have ended. Excitement is building ahead of the general election in November.

As we did in advance of last year’s election, The Kokomo Perspective, Kokomo Tribune and WIOU will host a series of political debates beginning Oct. 1 at Lafayette Park Middle School.

If you want an up-close look at the candidates, we invite you to attend. And if you can’t, the debates will be broadcast live on WIOU-AM 1350.

We’ve said this many times: Most of us live in this part of Indiana because we care about our families, friends and neighbors who live here, too. With blessings come responsibilities. You have a stake in your community. We encourage you to get registered and vote Nov. 4.

Candidates also have responsibilities – primarily to the people they want to serve. They should make themselves available for debates such as ours. Though the planning process for our political get-togethers began months ago, U.S. Rep. Joe Donnelly, D-Ind., and his 2nd District opponent, Luke Puckett, still haven’t committed to participate.

Donnelly has visited Kokomo and other area communities far more frequently than did Republican Chris Chocola, whom the South Bend Democrat defeated in the 2006 congressional race. So, what gives?

A Donnelly spokesman said last week both campaigns were close to agreeing upon a date and time. But Puckett’s campaign chairman resigned.

The spokesman said he expected an agreement soon. Once reached, we’ll let you know.

In the meantime, don’t forget voter registration ends Oct. 6. We encourage you to verify your voting status by calling the Howard County voter registration office at (765) 456-2219.

And within the next two months, we hope to host a lively and informative debate between Indiana’s 2nd District candidates for Congress, Joe Donnelly and Luke Puckett.

        

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