MSU Billings, the Billings Gazette sponsor PSC and gubernatorial debates on October 7

Debates also to be rebroadcast by KSVI/KHMT

MSU BILLINGS NEWS SERVICES — A broad range of policy and political issues will be at the forefront in October when Montana State University Billings and The Billings Gazette co-sponsor a pair of debates between contenders for the Public Service Commission and the governor’s office.

The debates are scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2008, at Petro Theatre on the main campus of MSU Billings, 1500 University Drive. They include a one-hour debate at 6 p.m. between PSC candidates Brad Molnar, the incumbent Republican from Laurel, and challenger Ron Tussing, the Democratic mayor from Billings.

After a short break, gubernatorial candidates Gov. Brian Schweitzer, the Democratic incumbent, and challenger Roy Brown, a Republican state senator from Billings, will begin their debate at 7:30 p.m.

The debates are open to the public and are free of charge.

Candidates will field questions from Gazette State Bureau reporters Charles Johnson and Mike Dennison, Gazette reporter Tom Lutey and Jackie Yamanaka from Yellowstone Public Radio.  Moderator for the evening will be Gazette Editor Steve Prosinski and representatives from the Associated Students of Montana State University Billings will be providing time-keeping and other support. 

The debates will be rebroadcast on KSVI-TV and KHMT-TV, the Fox and ABC affiliates in Billings. Jerry Jones, vice president and general manager at the KHMT/KSVI said the PSC and gubernatorial debate will be shown on:

• KHMT: Saturday, Oct. 11, PSC debate at 11 a.m. and the gubernatorial debate at 1 p.m.
• KSVI: Sunday, Oct. 12, PSC debate at 10 a.m. and the gubernatorial debate at noon.

The debates will be key face-to-face events in Yellowstone County for both races.  It will be the fourth of five debates for the gubernatorial candidates. The other debates were Sept. 15 in Missoula and Sept. 25 in Helena as well as upcoming debates on Sept. 29 in Butte and Oct. 24 in Great Falls.

The general election is Tuesday, Nov. 4.