By CHARLES OWENS
Bluefield Daily Telegraph
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BLUEFIELD — One of the region’s most closely watched congressional races will take center stage Tuesday in Bluefield when U.S. Rep. Nick Rahall, D-W.Va., and Republican challenger Elliott “Spike” Maynard, square off in the first of two televised debates.
The debate between Rahall and Maynard gets underway Tuesday 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 Bluefield Daily Telegraph, The Register-Herald in Beckley and WVVA in Bluefield.
The debate is open to the public. Questions will be asked by two moderators.
“We are excited that both Congressman Rahall and Justice Maynard have accepted our invitation to participate in the debates,” Daily Telegraph Managing Editor Samantha Perry said. “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.
“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,” said Carl “Butch” Antolini, general manager and executive editor for Beckley Newspapers. “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 Bluefield Daily Telegraph and The Register-Herald on Wednesday.”
A second debate between Rahall and Maynard will be held Tuesday, Oct. 26, at 7 p.m. at Carter Hall on the campus of Mountain State University in Beckley.
– Contact Charles Owens at cowens@bdtonline.com
