The four media partners behind the Bluegrass Poll, in partnership with Bellarmine University, will stage the first televised debate of this fall’s Kentucky gubernatorial campaign from 7 to 8 p.m. on September 15.
The Courier-Journal, WHAS-11, the Lexington Herald-Leader and WKYT-TV have secured agreements to participate from the campaigns of Republican Matt Bevin and Democrat Jack Conway. Other candidates who meet the criteria for participation will be added. [UPDATE: The Courier-Journal reports that independent candidate Drew Curtis will also participate in the debate.]
The debate will take place in the Wyatt Center for the Arts' Amy Cralle Theater on the Bellarmine campus. About 300 guests will be invited to attend. [campus map]
It will be televised live by WHAS and WKYT and livestreamed by all four media partners on their digital channels. Other television outlets outside the Louisville and Lexington markets may be included in the live broadcast.
A representative of WHAS will moderate the debate, with one questioner each form The Courier-Journal, The Herald-Leader and WKYT.
To qualify to participate in the debate, a candidate must be certified to be included on the election ballot and must have at least 7.5 percent support in the most recent Bluegrass Poll.
