AP

Virus worry prompts Indiana governor debate format change

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — The debate set for Tuesday night among the three candidates for Indiana governor has been changed to a virtual format in what organizers said was a coronavirus safety move.

The nonprofit Indiana Debate Commission said Monday that the candidates will all be present at the WFYI-TV studio in Indianapolis but they and the moderator will be in separate spaces as they appear by video for the hour-long debate that begins at 7 p.m. EDT Tuesday.

The group said it has discussed the new format with campaign leaders for Republican Gov. Eric Holcomb, Democratic challenger Woody Myers and Libertarian Donald Rainwater.

Coronavirus precautions had already meant there wouldn’t be a studio audience for the debate.

The format change follows Myers last week asking for the debate commission to require COVID-19 testing for the candidates ahead of the debate. Organizers said any testing was up to the candidates and wouldn’t be required.

The debate comes as Holcomb has large fundraising and organization advantages over his challengers.

Myers has been pushing for more aggressive actions to control COVID-19 spread, while some conservatives angry over Holcomb’s coronavirus orders have said they’ll vote for Rainwater, who is an opponent of the statewide mask mandate.

A second gubernatorial debate is set for Oct. 27.

Related posts

Bloomington police get launchers that fire bean bags

AP News

Indiana students join national anti-gun violence walkout

Kayla Blakeslee

Democratic governors warn Congress on health care repeal

AP News

4 comments

Rocky October 19, 2020 at 3:21 pm

I don’t want anti-Constitutional and Dictator Governor Holcomb to be voted back in, but don’t want a Communist Democrat either. Not sure if enough people will vote for Rainwater or not….

Reply
Pat October 20, 2020 at 8:09 am

I agree — so I voted for Holcomb as the best of bad choices.

Reply
Pat October 20, 2020 at 8:08 am

So, what are they telling us? That magic masks and social shunning will save us, the hoi-poloi, but are too risky for our politicians and media?

Reply
Pat October 20, 2020 at 9:55 am

error correction – hoi polloi

Reply

Leave a Comment