(UPDATED, Sept. 15, with details on Caldwell Chamber of Commerce state superintendent’s debate.)
The 2014 campaign calendar is starting to take shape — with debates and forums in the works.
I’ll update this calendar as we get more details, but here’s what we know so far.
Governor
Gov. Butch Otter committed last week to four debates.
- Oct. 3, Coeur d’Alene. Time and venue TBD.
- Noon, Oct. 9, City Club of Idaho Falls forum, Idaho State University, Bennion Student Union Building, Idaho Falls.
- 8 p.m., Oct. 14, KTVB debate, Northwest Nazarene University, Brandt Center, Nampa.
- 7 p.m., Oct. 30, Idaho Public Television/League of Women Voters/Idaho Press Club debate, Idaho Public Television studios, Boise. This is part of the series of “Idaho Debates” on Public Television; click here for the full schedule.
“In order to reach the most voters possible, I’ve accepted debate invitations from different regions of the state, or debates that could be viewed via a statewide broadcast,” said Otter. “This way all Idahoans have access to get involved in learning more about my views and plans for the future.”
It’s unclear how many other candidates will attend these events — or receive an invitation. But the Oct. 30 Idaho Public Television debate will feature Otter, a Republican, Democrat A.J. Balukoff and Libertarian John Bujak.
Otter, a Republican, is also facing independent candidates Pro-Life and Jill Humble; and Constitution Party candidate Steve Pankey. Two other independents are running as write-ins: Larry Allen White and Kurt M. Wertzbaugher.
Superintendent of public instruction
Democrat Jana Jones and Republican Sherri Ybarra have agreed to four joint appearances:
- 7 p.m., Sept. 23, Times-News/KMVT debate, Twin Falls.
-
7 p.m., Sept. 25, Langroise Center, College of Idaho, Caldwell. This debate will be sponsored by the Caldwell Chamber of Commerce. Comments and questions can be submitted in advance to Theresa Hardin, thardin@caldwel
lchamber.org - 11:45 a.m., Sept. 26, City Club of Boise forum, Grove Hotel, Boise. (Registration information here.)
- Oct. 15, KTVB debate.
- 7 p.m., Oct. 21, Idaho Public Television/League of Women Voters/Idaho Press Club debate.
The candidates are also considering a City Club forum in Idaho Falls, Jones spokesman Robert Allen said.
“This is definitely something we are looking forward to, especially given the low profile that our opponent has kept,” Allen said of the debate schedule. “Jana is very excited. She thinks this is a really important office and Idahoans have a right to know who the candidates are and where they stand on the issues. She is excited to have the opportunity to share a positive vision for Idaho public schools in a format that will reach a wide audience.”
Secretary of state
Reps. Lawerence Denney, R-Midvale, and Holli Woodings, D-Boise, are scheduled to appear at a City Club of Boise forum, at 11:45 a.m. on Oct. 6, at the Grove Hotel in Boise. (Registration information here.)
They will also square off at 7 p.m. on Oct. 7, in an Idaho Public Television/League of Women Voters/Idaho Press Club debate.
Lieutenant governor
Republican incumbent Brad Little and Democratic challenger Bert Marley will debate at 8:30 p.m. on Oct. 30, on Idaho Public Television.
Treasurer
GOP incumbent Ron Crane and Democratic challenger Deborah Silver have a debate set for 8:30 p.m. on Oct. 9, on Idaho Public Television.
Disclosure: As a City Club of Boise board member, I am organizing the superintendent’s and secretary of state’s forums.
