Michael Best Strategies, Spectrum News 1, UW-Milwaukee and WisPolitics partner to present Wisconsin lieutenant governor primary debates

Michael Best Strategies, Spectrum News 1, UW-Milwaukee and WisPolitics today announced a partnership to provide Wisconsin voters the only statewide televised primary debates featuring the Democratic and Republican candidates for lieutenant governor.

The Democratic debate will be held on Wednesday, July 20, from 1 to 2 p.m. at UW-Milwaukee Mainstage Theatre and will air live on Spectrum News 1.

The Republican debate will be held on Thursday, July 21, from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at UW-Milwaukee Mainstage Theatre and also will air live on Spectrum News 1.

Both debates will be moderated by Spectrum News 1 anchor Jason Fechner, along with anchors Pete Zervakis and Sachelle Reed, and JR Ross, editor of WisPolitics, as panelists.

“Voters face important decisions on Wisconsin’s future, and these debates will provide an opportunity to hear directly from the candidates for lieutenant governor,” said Michael Best Strategies President Rob Marchant. “Michael Best Strategies is proud to build on its bipartisan brand as we continue to collaborate across party lines to help government solve problems and better serve the people it represents.”

“Elections are the bedrock of our democracy,” said Diane Irving, senior director of news, Spectrum News.“We look forward to bringing the candidates’ issues to the forefront so Wisconsinites are more empowered and better informed ahead of the primary election in August.”

“Open dialogue and debate are the tenets of critical thinking and informed decision-making. UWM is delighted to be a partner in hosting this statewide public policy forum,” said UW-Milwaukee Chancellor Mark Mone.

“WisPolitics.com, since launching in 2000, has always organized, covered and promoted debates for top offices. This is a good opportunity to establish debates for this important constitutional office,” said Jeff Mayers, president of WisPolitics.com.

The partnership between Michael Best Strategies, Spectrum News 1, UW-Milwaukee and WisPolitics is designed to provide voters with a closer look at the candidates for the No. 2 spot in the executive branch of state government.

Each campaign and sponsor organization will be offered a limited number of seats for the debate, and a small number of seats will be available to the public. Ticket availability and press logistics will be circulated closer to the debates.