Fourth and final televised debate is back on

The latest update on the next televised governor's debate from Statehouse intern Annie Hall:

The Ken Blackwell and Ted Strickland gubernatorial campaigns today finally made arrangements for their fourth debate which had been tentatively scheduled since the start of the election season for Monday in Columbus.

Unlike three previous debates in Youngstown, Cleveland and Cincinnati -- which had a host of sponsors, the capital city's debate has only one: WBNS-TV, which is owned by the Dispatch Printing Co., also owner of the Ohio News Network and The Columbus Dispatch.

The hourlong debate will be broadcast live on WBNS and ONN at 8 p.m.

"Nothing in particular," was Strickland spokesman Keith Dailey’s reply to why final plans were set so late.

Speculation had been that Strickland, who has a double-digit lead in most polls, would rather not give Blackwell another chance to appear on the same stage with him. It was also speculated that Blackwell might have, what is referred to in political jargon, an "October surprise" and another debate would give him ample opportunity to make some new charge against Strickland and gain momentum in the three weeks before Election Day.

"Ted Strickland has more than held his own in the previous debates," Dailey said. "We are not in the least concerned and believe that the voters trust Ted and his plan to turnaround Ohio."

Blackwell campaign spokesman Carlo LoParo confirmed the debate would be hosted by WBNS-TV.

The debate moderator is Jerry Revish, a WBNS anchor. Panelists, who will direct questions to the candidates, are: Joe Hallett, senior editor at The Columbus Dispatch; Karen Kasler of Ohio Public TV and Radio; John Fortney of WBNS and ONN; and Julie Carr Smyth of The Associated Press.

In the Cincinnati area, Time Warner Channel 105 (the Ohio News Network) will broadcast the debate live.

For more details on where to watch or listen to Monday's debate, read Saturday's Enquirer.