Indianapolis mayoral debate to air on WISH-TV
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Democrat Joe Hogsett and Republican Chuck Brewer will meet in a live debate on WISH-TV on Oct. 16.
It will be the only formal televised debate in the race for mayor.
It will be a 30 minute debate. Joe Hogsett objected to a longer format and, because he has a comfortable lead in the race for mayor, he’s in a position to dictate some of the terms.
The candidates for mayor have appeared together in half a dozen forums and more are scheduled.
“That is actually more conversation between candidates than occurred, for example, four years ago when Mayor Ballard ran for re-election against Melina Kennedy,” said Hogsett.
The formal debate will be similar to one between Ballard and Kennedy in 2011. There will be one other joint appearance on another television station.
Brewer is still pushing the Hogsett campaign to agree to more debates.
“It’s my hopes that they’ll reconsider,” he said.
His first campaign ad just appeared Wednesday and it’s on the web. He still can’t afford to put it on television.
Hogsett ads have been on the air for months.
Debates could help offset that advantage.
“I just think there’s just an expectation out there in the community,” said Brewer, “to have debates so they can hear the issues.”
But Joe Hogsett gets the final word.
24-Hour News 8’s Jim Shella will moderate the WISH-TV debate.
It will air live at 6:30 p.m. on Oct. 16.