By: Kristen M. Daum, GrandForksHerald.com
Tonight will be the last scheduled debate for candidates in North Dakota’s top races prior to the state nominating conventions in March.
But with several high-profile contenders from both parties not attending, less than half of the invited candidates will face their competition on stage.
At least one participant is calling out his opponent’s absence, prompting a campaign issue over candidates’ willingness to debate in front of their party’s base of support.
Today’s event is the second of two debate nights organized by the North Dakota Tea Party Caucus and a coalition of more than a dozen conservative-leaning organizations.
It begins with a half-hour pre-show at 6 p.m. at Fargo’s Best Western Doublewood Inn, 3333 13th Ave. S.
As with the first event in Bismarck last month, the caucus aimed to have three one-hour debates for the U.S. House, Senate and gubernatorial candidates.
But two key Republicans and all Democratic candidates have once again declined to participate, forcing a change in the debate format.
Of the 15 candidates invited, nine candidates will attend, but two will address the audience unopposed.
To read more, visit: http://www.grandforksherald.com/event/article/id/230505/