Blackwell and Strickland announce debate schedule

The University of Cincinnati will be the site of one of the four gubernatorial debates, it was announced today.

The Ohioans for Blackwell and Strickland for Governor campaigns today officially released more details about the four debates they will conduct before the Nov. 7 election.

The four debates are as follows:

Sept. 5 at noon in Youngstown, sponsored by the Youngstown Vindicator and WFMJ-TV.

Sept. 20 at noon in Cleveland, sponsored by WEWS-TV and the Call & Post

Oct. 4 at 7 p.m. at the University of Cincinnati, sponsored by the Greater Cincinnati Chamber of Commerce and Debate USA Alliance. It will focus on the economy.

And Oct. 16 at 7 p.m. in Columbus, at a location to be announced.

Each debate will have a moderator and either media or citizen questioners.

Both independent candidates, Libertarian Bill Peirce and Green Party candidate Bob Fitrakis, have repeatedly objected to being excluded from the gubernatorial debates.

All debates will be 60 minutes in length, using a format similar to Presidential debates, with three minute opening statements from each candidate, then questions answered via 90-second responses, 60-second rebuttals and 30-second clarifications, if necessary. Each candidate will then have a two-minute closing statement.