Murray, Vance to debate at Microsoft on Sunday

Published 10:53 am Wednesday, October 19, 2016

The Washington State Debate Coalition, founded by Seattle CityClub, hosts its final U.S. Senate debate between Democratic incumbent Patty Murray and Republican challenger Chris Vance of Auburn at the Microsoft campus in Redmond at 7 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 23.

Guests can register for the free, public debate at SeattleCityClub.org/events/Microsoft.

“The enthusiastic public response to the coalition proves that voters are demanding better from their potential representatives,” said Diane Douglas, executive director of Seattle CityClub. “We believe this important exchange of ideas should be a regular and reliable part of Washington’s electoral cycle and look forward to continuing our work in 2018.”

The debate will feature a traditional format. Guests can submit questions that may be asked by the panel during the live debate at seattlecityclub.org/forms/ask-candidates-your-question.

This will be the final of the coalition’s 2016 Gubernatorial and U.S. Senate debates. Previous debates were staged in Seattle, Spokane and Pasco.

The debate will be moderated by Austin Jenkins (Northwest News Network) and will feature a panel of community members: Kate Hall (Pacific Lutheran University student), Dave Ross (KIRO Radio 97.3 FM) and Melissa Santos (The News Tribune).

With the help of the coalition’s 80 media partners, the debates are expected to reach Washington voters in every corner of the state through television, radio, live streaming and other outlets.

Broadcasting stations include: AARP Washington State (website and Facebook page), C-SPAN, KING 5, KIRO Radio, KIRO 7, KOMO 4, KUOW, NW Cable News and TVW.

Seattle CityClub founded the Coalition of civic leaders, nonpartisan organizations, colleges and universities and media partners earlier this year to enhance citizens’ access to informative, nonpartisan political debates. Click here for a list of Coalition members.

Financial support for the Coalition is being provided by lead sponsors AARP and Microsoft, supporting sponsors Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and The Henry M. Jackson Foundation, debate sponsors PEMCO Insurance and Stokes Lawrence, and individual donors to Seattle CityClub’s Empowered Voters Campaign.

More information about the Washington State Debate Coalition is available at seattlecityclub.org/wastatedebatecoalition.