Democratic candidates for Eastern District U.S. House seat set to debate Thursday

HAVRE – Voters will get a chance to hear from democratic candidates for the Eastern District U.S. House of Representatives seat Thursday during the second of four debates featuring candidates vying for Montana’s two seats.

District 2 democratic candidates Penny Ronning, Mark Sweeney and Skylar Williams will take to the debate stage at 7 p.m. in Montana State University-Northern’s Hensler Auditorium in Havre.

The series of Congressional Primary Debates is co-sponsored by Montana Farmers Union, United States Cattlemen’s Association, the Montana Cattlemen’s Association and the Northern Plains Resource Council.

The debates keep ag-related issues at the forefront for voters, something that MFU President Walter Schweitzer said is critical ahead of next year’s Farm Bill overhaul.

“Voters need to hear directly from the candidates about issues that are important to Montana’s number one industry and our rural communities,” Schweitzer said.

Each debate is open to the public and will be televised live on SWX and rebroadcasted on Cowles’ media affiliates ABC FOX and NBC in Montana and broadcast on Northern Ag Network’s affiliate radio stations.

Thursday’s debate will be rebroadcast at 11 a.m., April 30, on Fox and at 4 p.m., April 30, on NBC.

Specifics for the remaining two debates are as follows:

--Democrats, District 1: 7:30 p.m., May 6, at MSU’s Inspiration Hall in Bozeman, with additional televised broadcasts at 12:30 p.m., May 7, on Fox and at 4 p.m., May 8, on NBC; and

--Republicans, District 1: 7 p.m., May 20, at the Whitefish Performing Arts Center in Whitefish, with additional televised rebroadcasts at 10 a.m., May 21, on NBC and at 4 p.m., May 21, on ABC.

As of Monday, all candidates – except Ryan Zinke and Rosendale – had committed to participating in the debates.

For more information or to watch the debate recordings after they air live, go to https://montanafarmersunion.com/montana-debates/.