Senate debate has high stakes

There are only 26 days left until the Nov. 6 elections, which may well determine the shape of the United States into the foreseeable future.

One of the most important elections anywhere is the U.S. Senate race in Montana, where incumbent Sen. Jon Tester — a Big Sandy Democrat — is attempting to hold off a challenge by Rep. Denny Rehberg, a Billings Republican.

Those two men  — along with Libertarian candidate Dan Cox — will meet on a stage at Flathead Valley Community College on Sunday night for the third of four debates that could well determine the outcome of the race.

The Daily Inter Lake is proud to sponsor this debate.

Tickets have already been distributed to the campaigns and the general public, but if you aren’t lucky enough to hold a ticket, you can still watch the debate live at 7 p.m. Sunday by visiting www.dailyinterlake.com, where the entire event will be streamed live.

Broadcasts of the debate on Optimum’s local-access Channel 9 in Kalispell will begin later in the week, as will radio broadcasts on public radio and Northern Broadcasting.

If you do plan to attend the debate in person, please remember that signs will not be allowed in the debate hall. Doors open at 6:15 p.m. at the Arts and Technology Building on the FVCC campus, and those attending are asked to arrive early enough to be seated by 6:45.

Whether you are there in person or watch it electronically, this event promises to be compelling and informative.

IT’S NOT the full-blown northern bypass, but the new Reserve Drive South nevertheless serves as a useful route around the busy U.S. 93/West Reserve Drive junction.

Kalispell’s newest road opened last week, connecting Hutton Ranch Road with West Reserve Drive.

It provides a handy way to avoid the cluttered intersection of West Reserve and U.S. 93 that carries as many as 24,700 vehicles a day. Or at least it will be a handy bypass until more drivers discover Reserve Drive South.

Overall, however, the new roadway seems to be a good relief valve for the traffic problems in North Kalispell’s retail center.