The People’s Debate

Richmond, August  21, 2009 –The League of Women Voters of Virginia and AARP Virginia announce that gubernatorial candidates Creigh Deeds and Bob McDonnell,  have accepted their invitation to participate in a statewide televised debate to be held at 8:00 pm October 12 in Richmond.

This unique debate, organized by The League of Women Voters of Virginia and AARP Virginia, will ask the candidates to go on record about issues important to the average Virginian.  The League of Women Voters of Virginia President Olga Hernandez said, “This debate will allow all Virginians to see both candidates answer question on issues of concern to the Commonwealth.  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.”

The debate will be moderated by Judy Woodruff, veteran political reporter and senior correspondent for The NewsHour with Jim Lehrer, and will be broadcast live across the state by all PBS television and radio stations and most commercial networks. CBS 6 anchor Stephanie Rochon, WCVE’s “Virginia Currents” host May-Lily Lee, AARP Virginia State President Warren Stewart, EdD, and League of Women Voters of Virginia President Olga Hernandez will serve as panelists for the debate.

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.”

Richmond television stations CBS 6 WTVR and WCVE are co-producing and distributing the debate to all Virginia broadcasters.  A total of seven CBS and Public Television affiliates have agreed to broadcast the debate.  The debate will be held at the studios of WCVE.