GOP guv hopefuls to debate

July 11, 2006

By JOEL DAVIDSON/Frontiersman

MAT-SU - All five Republican candidates for governor are set to brandish their rhetorical skills at the Mat-Su Republican Women's Club debate Thursday evening.

Unlike most forums, which allow candidates to speak without ever directly engaging one another, the upcoming debate is deliberately formatted to force contestants to think on their feet.

&#8220The candidates are going to be put on the spot,” said Judith Carmony, vice president of membership for the club. &#8220I've sat through a lot of speeches, but there will be a little different edge to this.”

Thanks to a format that allows debaters to directly challenge one another, the event could solicit some impromptu moments, said club president Alice Massie.

&#8220People will get to see if the candidates are prepared or knowledgeable,” she said. &#8220We didn't want an orchestrated act where they had time to read a script.”

Massie said John Binkley, Gerald &#8220Jerry” Heikes, Merica Hlatcu, incumbent Gov. Frank Murkowski and Sarah Palin will all attend.

Audience members will also have a crack at the candidates, Massie explained, through random questions drawn from a hat.

&#8220We wanted to touch on some issues that come from the people, too,” she said.

The event is set to begin at Evangelo's Restaurant in Wasilla with a cocktail reception at 5:30 p.m., followed by a no-host buffet at 6:15 p.m. The debate will run from 7 to 9 p.m. Impromptu questions may be allowed as time permits.

Massie said she the debate is an opportunity for Mat-Su residents to see candidates speak from the heart about their vision for Alaska's development.

Carmony agreed, saying debates are an important way to learn about candidates, so they become more than familiar names at the ballot box.

&#8220I always encourage people to do their homework before voting,” she said. &#8220Call the candidates, ask them questions, and listen to them debate.”

For more information, interested people should contact Massie at 376-5874.

Contact Joel Davidson at

352-2266 or joel.davidson@ frontiersman.com.