Thirteen of 14 U.S. Senate Candidates to Participate in WV Special Primary Election Forum

Thursday, August 19th at 7:30 PM, Jefferson High School Auditorium

CHARLES TOWN, W.Va., Aug. 17 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Thirteen of 14 U.S. Senate hopefuls will participate in a candidate forum just days before the historic West Virginia Special Primary election to replace the late Senator Robert Byrd, the longest-serving member of Congress who died on June 28 at 92 years of age.

The candidate forum, which includes Democratic and Republican candidates, is sponsored by the League of American Voters.  Heather Goodwin Henline, editor of The Martinsburg Journal, will moderate the candidate forum.

"West Virginians owe it to themselves to come out to meet the candidates," said Bob Adams, executive director of the League of American Voters (www.USALeague.com).  "Thursday night's forum is an important opportunity for voters to learn more about the candidates to help make an informed decision when they go to the polls on August 28th."

The candidate forum will be held at the Jefferson High School auditorium (4141 Flowing Springs Road, Shenandoah Junction, WV) from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. on Thursday, August 19.  The doors will open at 7:00 p.m. to provide an opportunity for voters to meet informally with candidates.

For those who are unable to attend, 1340 WEPM Radio will broadcast live from the candidate forum.

Panelists for the candidate forum include Patricia Rucker, a member of We the People of Jefferson County (WV), Bob Adams, executive director of the League of American Voters, Hans Fogle, news director for 1340 WEPM Radio, and Patience Wait of StopPATH WV. 

Democratic candidates who will participate in the forum include Ken Hechler and Sheirl Fletcher.  Joe Manchin III has declined.

On the Republican side Thomas Ressler, Harry Bruner, Frank Kubic, John Raese, Daniel Scott Rebich, Kenneth Culp, Albert Howard, Lynette Kennedy McQuain, Scott H. Williams, and Mac Warner will participate.

Jesse Johnson, the Mountain Party candidate will also be attending.

"This is an important opportunity for Democratic, Republican, and independent voters to meet their candidates," said Adams.  "We hope the voters will take advantage of this opportunity, and come out to meet them."

The League of American Voters is a national non-partisan and 501(c)4 non-profit organization created to keep our elected officials in Washington and across the nation accountable.  

SOURCE League of American Voters