U.S. Senate Debate Canceled

October 4, 2016

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Terry Naydan, co-president, 502-875-6481

Nita Smith, co-president, 859-948-4541

Cindy Heine, Candidate Debate Coordinator, 859-351-9419

LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- The League of Women Voters of Kentucky has canceled its planned U.S. Senate debate between Sen. Rand Paul and his challenger Lexington Mayor Jim Gray after Paul declined to participate. Gray had accepted the invitation.

The debate was scheduled for October 30 at the University of Kentucky and was to be broadcast live on WKYT in Lexington, WLKY in Louisville, and other television stations serving the state.  Other sponsors of the debate included The Lexington Herald-Leader and University of Kentucky Student Government."

Research conducted on voter behavior and participation shows that not only does the public expect candidates to participate in voter education activities but it also found that voters are more likely to vote when they know who the candidates are and where they stand on issues," said Dr. Terry Naydan, co-president of the League of Women Voters of Kentucky. “When candidates choose not to participate, it is a loss for the voters."

Invitations for the debate were first sent to the Republican senator and his Democratic opponent shortly after the May primaries.

The League of Women Voters of Kentucky is a nonpartisan political organization that encourages informed and active participation in government. It works to increase understanding of major public policy issues and to influence public policy through education and advocacy. The League does not endorse, or oppose, political candidates or parties.

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