Governor debate now down to three

MAT-SU — The list of candidates participating in the second round of local events leading up to the gubernatorial election has been winnowed to three.

Initially, the greater Palmer and greater Wasilla chambers of commerce said that after Thursday’s forum they would choose four candidates from among the 12 seeking the state’s highest office to return Thursday for a debate.

Scheduling conflicts caused one of the candidates, Republican Ralph Samuels, to decline the offer to return. So the chambers offered his slot in the lineup to Democrat Hollis French, who initially accepted.

But on Friday, Diana Straub, who is organizing the series of election-related events, said French also has a conflict. So the chambers have decided to go with three candidates instead of four.

Those three are: Republican Bill Walker and Democrats Ethan Berkowitz and Bob Poe.

The series will include local, state and congressional candidates.These forums are free; however, seating in the Alaska Club Theater is available on a first-come first-served basis. Scheduling is subject to change, so check for updates at wasillachamber.org or palmerchamber.org. The majority of the forums will be held at the Alaska Club, 1720 Parks Highway.

Thursday: Gubernatorial debate.

• June 24: Lieutenant governor forum.

• July 8: U.S. Representative 5 to 6 p.m.

• July 8: U.S. Senate 6 to 7 p.m.

• July 15: State House District 13 forum.

• July 22: State House District 14 forum.

• July 29: State Senate District H forum.

• Aug. 5: Mat-Su Borough Assembly forum.

• Aug. 12: Mat-Su Borough School District forum.

• Aug. 19: Wasilla City Council forum.

• Aug. 26: Palmer City Council forum at the Palmer Depot.

• Aug. 2: Palmer mayoral candidate at the Palmer Depot.