On October 23, the Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate from Tennessee, Gordon Ball, debated five of his opponents. However, the Republican nominee, incumbent Senator Lamar Alexander, did not participate. The U.S. Senate race has nominees from the Green Party, the Constitution Party, and eight independents. Of all the partisan statewide races in the nation, the Tennessee U.S. Senate race has the most candidates on the ballot. See this story about the debate.
On October 23, a University of Texas/Texas Tribune Poll was released for several statewide races in Texas. See the details here. For U.S. Senate, the results are: Republican 57%; Democratic 31%; Libertarian 7%; Green 5%. For Governor they are: Republican 54%; Democratic 38%; Libertarian 6%; Green 2%.
On October 17, the Portland City Club sponsored a debate between Jim Kelly, proponent of Oregon’s top-two initiative, and Dan Meek, a prominent opponent. Here is a link. The debate lasts a full hour, although it doesn’t actually start until six minutes in.
WMTW in Maine wanted to host a debate between the Democratic and Republican nominees for U.S. House in Maine’s Second District. However, Democratic nominee Emily Cain refused to participate unless the only other candidate whose name is on the ballot, an independent, was invited. As a result the WMTW debate is cancelled.
However, the three candidates will debate each other on October 23, and that inclusive debate will be broadcast on two other stations. See this story. The Maine 2nd district is an open seat, because congressman Michael Michaud is not running for re-election; instead he is the Democratic nominee for Governor. Thanks to Thomas MacMillan for the link.
On October 23, South Carolina House Speaker Bobby Harrell resigned from the legislature and said he will not run again. However, he won the Republican primary in June, and his name will remain on the ballot, according to this story.
Also on the ballot are Democrat Mary Tinkler and Green Party nominee Sue Edward. Harrell has been in the legislature since 1992, and until today, was the Speaker of the House. His district, the 114th, is in Charleston. Thanks to IndependentPoliticalReport for this news.
