U.S. Rep. Russ Carnahan, D-St. Louis, doesn't know who his Republican opponent will be -- in fact, Carnahan has two Democratic challengers -- but the congressman already is calling for two debates featuring all the party nominees for Nov. 2.
Carnahan is recommending that the debates be held in September in different parts of the far-flung 3rd congressional district.
"Informed voters make informed choices," Carnahan said.
"I suggest two debates, one in a location accessible for South City and County residents and another convenient for residents of Jefferson and St. Genevieve Counties to allow voters from all over the 3rd District to hear the candidates discuss the vital issues facing Missouri families."
He is recommending that the nonpartisan League of Women Voters be in charge of the events, calling the group "the gold standard" when it comes to overseeing candidate debates.
Carnahan's two Democratic opponents are David Arnold and Edward Crim. The three Republicans competing for their party's nod are, in ballot order: John Wayne Tucker, Ed Martin and Rusty Wallace.
Libertarian Steven R. Hedrick has no opposition, and automatically is his party's nominee.
This article originally appeared in the St. Louis Beacon.
