Election

League of Women Voters to host forum

Potter and Randall County citizens will have an opportunity to hear the views of opposed candidates in the November election firsthand on Tuesday evening, Oct. 14, when the League of Women Voters conducts a Candidates Forum at the Amarillo Senior Citizens Center's Main Hall, 1220 S. Polk.

The public event will begin at 6:30 p.m. with light refreshments with the program starting at 7 p.m.

The following candidates opposed in the general election in November have been invited to participate:

• Mac Thornberry (Republican) and Roger J. Waun (Democrat), running for U.S. Representative, District 13;
• Kel Seliger (Rep.) and Lauren Poindexter (Libertarian), State Senate, District 31;
• John Smithee (Rep.), and Kevin Howell (Lib.) State Representative, District 86;
• David Swinford (Rep.) and L. Blake Bailey (Lib.), State Representative, District 87;
• Robert Taylor (Dem.) and Brian Thomas (Rep.), Potter County sheriff; and Joe Kirkwood (Rep.), Scott L. Stevens (write-in) and Cristal Robinson (write-in), Potter County Commissioner, Precinct #3.

Each opposed candidate will give a three-minute presentation of his/her qualifications and platform positions after which, the audience may direct written, issue-only questions to a candidate and his/her opponent.

A brief wrap-up by each opposed candidate will close this part of the program.

Unopposed candidates have also been invited, and those attending will have an opportunity to introduce themselves and tell what position they're seeking.

The League's Voters Guides will be available at the meeting.

Anyone who has questions or wants more information may call Barbara Cheek, 383-5848, or leave a message at the League office, 372-5438.

The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan organization that does not support or oppose any candidate or political party but seeks to encourage all citizens to take an informed and active part in their government, Cheek said.

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Posted: Oct. 9, 2008