August 24, 2009

The League of Women Voters of Virginia and AARP Virginia have announced that candidates for governor, Creigh Deeds and Bob McDonnell, have accepted their invitation to participate in a statewide televised debate to be held at 8pm 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 questions 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.”

Judy Woodruff, veteran political reporter and senior correspondent for The NewsHour with Jim Lehrer will moderate the debate, which will be broadcast live across the state by all PBS television and radio stations and most commercial networks.

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.”