Democratic congressional hopefuls to square off in debate at UW

The University of Wisconsin–Madison and WISC-TV will host a debate between 2nd Congressional District Democratic primary candidates on Tuesday, Aug. 7.

The debate will begin at 7 p.m. in the Plenary Room on the first floor of Grainger Hall, 975 University Ave. The event is open to the public, though seating is limited. Note that the location of the debate has changed from when it was originally announced.

WISC-TV will air the debate on Sunday, Aug. 12 at 10 a.m. and on WISC-TV’s sister channel, TVW, Sunday, Aug. 12 at 7 p.m.

Neil Heinen, WISC-TV’s editorial director, will moderate the debate. Panel members will include UW–Madison political science professor Ken Mayer and WISC-TV political reporter Jessica Arp.

“The university is pleased to be sponsoring this debate given that the campus sits squarely in the 2nd Congressional District,” says Charles Hoslet, executive director for strategic partnerships in the Office of University Relations. “It is important to provide our faculty, staff, students and others in the community with an opportunity to hear directly from those running for this important seat about their vision and priorities should they be elected.”

The debate is co-sponsored by Public Representation Organization of the Faculty Senate (PROFS), a voluntary, nonprofit membership organization of UW–Madison faculty, and Academic Staff Professionals Representation Organization (ASPRO), a nonprofit organization representing UW-System academic staff.

“We’re happy to collaborate with UW–Madison on this important congressional race,” says Colin Benedict, WISC-TV news director. “As a locally-owned news station, we take our responsibility seriously to provide a forum to discuss the issues and keep voters informed.”

Candidates participating in the forum are state Rep. Mark Pocan, state Rep. Kelda Helen Roys, Iraq war veteran Matt Silverman and electronic security consultant Dennis Hall.

The four Democrats are vying for the seat currently occupied by U.S. Rep. Tammy Baldwin, D-Madison. Baldwin is running for U.S. Senate.

The winner of the Aug. 14 primary will face Republican Chad Lee in the Nov. 6 general election.