CLAREMORE — The runoff election for Oklahoma’s 2nd Congressional District is heating up and Rogers State University Television will once again be bringing live coverage of the candidates.
RSU-TV, the Claremore Daily Progress, Claremore Chamber of Commerce and RSU Department of Communications is sponsoring a District 2 Congressional Runoff Debate on July 16.
The event will be broadcast live on RSU-TV channel 35.1 beginning at 7 p.m. and streaming live at www.rsupublictv.org. Those who wish to attend are encouraged to arrive by 6 p.m.
As the temperature rises outside, Republicans Markwayne Mullin and George Faught have been heating up the contest for the open congressional seat currently held by Democrat Dan Boren.
“The televised debate during the primary was a great opportunity to tell voters how I feel about issues, and I’m looking forward to being able to do the same thing this time around. It seems that politics as usual is just running 30-second TV ads, so it is refreshing to actually have a discussion on issues where people can hear the whole story from both sides. I hope voters will make an effort to watch or attend as they make their decision on who we should send to Congress to oppose Barack Obama’s socialist agenda,” Mullin said.
Faught had a similar response and although the candidates have not agreed on much lately, they seem to feel that voters have a right to hear their thoughts on the issues.
“The voters of the 2nd Congressional District deserve the opportunity to hear the two GOP candidates explain their positions on the pressing issues facing our country today,” Faught said.
Faught also explained that scheduling changes have caused an issue as Mullin has made an effort to limit his availability to answer questions publically.
“Although previous commitments were made, my opponent is now refusing to participate in the GOP debate this Saturday in Claremore. In addition, he has balked at the scheduled televised debate at RSU next Monday, insisting that the hour-long format be limited to only 30 minutes. Mr. Mullin clearly is not prepared to answer key questions about important issues affecting eastern Oklahomans,” Faught said. “Throughout this campaign, I have made myself available to as many forums as possible, while still fulfilling my duties as a state representative in Oklahoma City. I will continue to make myself available to answer the hard questions from the voters, I owe them no less.”
Mullin’s campaign disputes Faught’s claim and continues to state that Faught’s statements are simply “politics as usual”.
Recently, the focus has been placed on each candidate’s knowledge of the issues facing the district primarily focused on healthcare reform.
Many different issues are likely to be up for discussion during the event, as Lieutenant Governor Todd Lamb will moderate the event.
The broadcast is expected to be approximately 30 minutes and will feature three rounds of questions.
Each candidate will be given one minute to respond to each question.
The candidates will also have the opportunity to ask the opposing candidates questions.
The candidate asking the question will be given the opportunity to make a rebuttal to the opposing response.
Then the opposing candidate will be allowed to offer a summary in response to the rebuttal.
The moderator will ask the final round of questions.
Candidates will be making opening and closing remarks in addition to the three rounds.
“We want to make sure the format will be interesting and give viewers insight into the diversity of the debate,” General Manager, Dan Schiedel said.
The broadcast coverage area will reach potentially 1.3 million viewers and encompasses the entire district.
Originating from the RSU campus in Baird Hall Performances Studio approximately 100 seats in the audience will be available to the public.
The entire debate will be made rebroadcast on the web at www.resupublictv.org on 11 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. on July 20 and again at 7 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on July 29.
“Claremore is always a place I look forward to visiting. Once again this great community has chosen to facilitate a very important part of our duty as citizens. Our country is in need of men and women who stand up for Oklahoma values, and this Congressional debate will allow voters from across the district to make an informed decision on a new Oklahoma Congressman. This congressional race is one of the key races in the entire country. With this upcoming debate the eyes of the nation will be on Claremore once again,” Lamb said.
Democrats Wayne Herriman and Rob Wallace are finalizing plans for a debate in August.
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