In the News

2010 Primary Debate Schedule

‡ All qualified candidates who will appear on a statewide ballot in November were invited to participate. Wyoming PBS policy states that primary elections that are not contested will not be featured in broadcast debates. However, all winning candidates in the primary will be invited to debate their opponents from the other party in general election debates scheduled for broadcast in October.

It is Wyoming PBS policy that primary elections that are not contested - where there is one candidate with no opponent - will not be featured in broadcast debates. However, all winning candidates in the primary will be invited to debate their opponents from the other party or parties in general election debates in October.

Wyoming PBS will follow roughly the same format as in 2008's well-received primary debates. A panel of two journalists from our participating media will sit at a table; candidates will stand at podiums before them (order on stage will be determined by drawing straws). There will be no opening statements, but the first question will ask candidates to give their qualifications for the office. In the first round of questions from the journalists, each candidate will answer consecutively, with brief rebuttals from the first candidate to respond (first answer will rotate among the candidates). There will be a round in which candidates can ask a question of their opponents. There will also be a "lightening round", in which candidates respond briefly to phrases or words ("healthcare reform", for instance, or "tea party"). Finally, each candidate will give a closing statement.