Media Advisory: Eastern to host 2nd congressional district debate

Willimantic, CT (09/21/2022) — Eastern Connecticut State University will host a debate for the 2nd congressional district on Oct. 4 as part of a series of election-season debates sponsored by Connecticut Public and the Connecticut League of Women Voters. Occurring at 8 p.m. in the Fine Arts Instructional Center Concert Hall, the debate will feature incumbent Democratic Sen. Joe Courtney and Republican candidate Mike France, and is moderated by Connecticut Public reporter Catherine Shen.

The event is part of a series of eight debates hosted at colleges and universities statewide in advance of the November 2022 general election. This year's elections include offices of Governor, U.S. Senate, Secretary of the State, and Connecticut's five U.S. Congressional districts.

The location of the congressional debates at colleges and universities in the districts was designed with the goal of including as many students and young people as possible in the debate process. A limited number of tickets will be available to Eastern students, staff and faculty. Ticketing information will be released at a later date.

Each debate will feature a live audience and will be broadcast and streamed on Connecticut Public platforms, including CPTV, ctpublic.org, YouTube and Facebook Live, as well as the LWVCT website and YouTube channel. The debates will also be simulcast on Connecticut Public Radio (WNPR 88.5 FM and 90.5 FM, and streaming at ctpublic.org). Each debate will be moderated by Connecticut Public journalists. The debate series will also be produced as podcasts, accessible via the App Store, Google Play and other common podcast platforms.

In addition, a live stream will be offered to any media outlet or organization in the state that would like to stream the debates through their platform.

"We are thrilled for the opportunity to collaborate with the League of Women Voters to bring these debates to the people of Connecticut, '' said Tim Rasmussen, Chief Content Officer of Connecticut Public. "This ambitious, comprehensive debate series will provide voters with direct access to candidates-something that is essential for a healthy democracy and building trust in our election process. As Connecticut's non-profit public media source, Connecticut Public and our journalists are highly trusted by our viewers and listeners, and we are pleased to be able to help inform and educate our electorate and hold our elected representatives accountable."

"The League is very excited to partner with Connecticut Public to bring these debates to the public," said Laura Smits, President of the League of Women Voters of Connecticut. "We both share a vision of offering voters direct access to the candidates in a straightforward and non-partisan way. Right now, in a world with so much access to information, it's important that voters can hear from voices they can trust. Connecticut Public's reputation for solid journalism combined with our expertise in hosting fair debates is a terrific combination and should give voters confidence that, in the century-old tradition of the League, we will ensure the fairness and transparency of the electoral process."

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Connecticut Public is home to Connecticut Public Television (CPTV) and Connecticut Public Radio (WNPR). Together, Connecticut Public serves nearly one million citizens each month through Connecticut Public Radio and Connecticut Public Television, as well as through our many digital and online platforms. Through our mission to inform, educate and inspire the people of Connecticut, we connect people of all ages to high-quality journalism, storytelling, education and experiences, and amplify the voices of our diverse communities. Connecticut Public is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, with a $22 million annual budget, funded primarily through community support from individuals, foundations and corporate sponsors.

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The League of Women Voters of Connecticut is a nonpartisan grassroots political organization encouraging informed and active participation in government. The state league, in conjunction with 22 local leagues in cities and towns across Connecticut, provides citizens with meaningful ways to support and celebrate civic engagement, and influence public policy through education and advocacy. Membership in the League of Women Voters, one of the most respected and effective grassroots organizations in the country, is open to people of all genders and ages. Our members make a visible difference by serving as community leaders using their experience to create positive, lasting change in our communities.