Debate planned in Kalispell on Oct. 14

The contestants in Montana’s heated campaign for U.S. Senate have accepted invitations from the Daily Inter Lake to debate each other in Kalispell on Sunday, Oct. 14.

The debate is one of only four scheduled to be held in the race, which is considered crucial to whether Democrats or Republicans will control the Senate in 2013.

Incumbent Sen. Jon Tester, the Democrat from Big Sandy, is being challenged by Montana’s incumbent congressman, Rep. Denny Rehberg, a Republican from Billings. They are joined in the race by Libertarian Dan Cox of Darby, a political newcomer.

All three have agreed to attend the Inter Lake’s debate on the campus of Flathead Valley Community College in the Arts and Technology Building. The debate will begin at 7 p.m., so attendees are asked to arrive by 6:45.

Seating will be limited, so tickets to the debate will be distributed by random drawings. Tickets will be awarded in sets of two.

Starting today, you will be able to sign up for tickets by registering on the Daily Inter Lake’s Facebook page through our contest and sweepstakes app at www.facebook.com/dailyinterlake.

For those who do not wish to register through Facebook, stop by the Daily Inter Lake at 727 E. Idaho St. during regular business hours Monday through Friday or send an email request to tmahan@dailyinterlake.com with your name, address and phone number and you will be entered for the random drawing.

Ticket winners will be selected on Oct. 1 at noon and will have until Oct. 10 to pick up tickets at the Daily Inter Lake. Unclaimed tickets will be redistributed at that time.

The Inter Lake debate will be held between the two other scheduled Senate campaign debates: one in Billings on Oct. 8 and one in Bozeman on Oct. 20.

The Montana Newspaper Association earlier sponsored a debate attended by all three candidates in Big Sky on June 16.