Democratic congressional candidates to debate in Havre

From Montana Farmers Union

Voters will get a chance to hear from democratic candidates for the Eastern District U.S. House of Representatives seat Thursday in Havre during the second of four debates featuring candidates vying for Montana’s two seats.

District 2 democratic candidates Penny Ronning, Mark Sweeney and Skylar Williams will take to the debate stage at 7 p.m. in Montana State University-Northern’s Hensler Auditorium in the Applied Technology Center for the live, public event.

After the debate, Hill County Democrats are hosting a Meet-and-Greet After Party at the Eagles from 8:30 - 10 p.m. Pizza will be served and folks can get to know the candidates.

The series of Congressional Primary Debates is co-sponsored by Montana Farmers Union, United States Cattlemen’s Association, the Montana Cattlemen’s Association and the Northern Plains Resource Council.

The debates keep ag-related issues at the forefront for voters, something that MFU President Walter Schweitzer said is critical ahead of next year’s Farm Bill overhaul.

“Voters need to hear directly from the candidates about issues that are important to Montana’s number one industry and our rural communities,” Schweitzer said.

Each debate is open to the public and will be televised live on SWX and rebroadcasted on Cowles’ media affiliates ABC, FOX and NBC in Montana and broadcast on Northern Ag Network’s affiliate radio stations.

Live updates also will be available through Montana Farmers Union on Twitter.

Thursday’s debate will be rebroadcast Saturday, April 30, at 11 a.m. on Fox and at 4 p.m. on NBC.

The first debate, April 21 in Miles City, saw District 2 Republican candidates Kyle Austin, James Boyette and Charles A. Walking Child debate issues related to agriculture and rural communities.

Incumbent Rep. Matt Rosendale, R-Mont., chose not to participate in the debate.

People can watch that debate online at https://montanafarmersunion.com/montana-debates .

Two more debates are scheduled:

• Democrats in the race for the western District 1: 7:30 p.m., Friday, May 6, at Montana State University’s Inspiration Hall in Bozeman, with additional televised broadcasts at 12:30 p.m. Saturday, May 7, on Fox and at 4 p.m. Sunday, May 8, on NBC; and

• Republicans in the race for the western District 1: 7 p.m. Friday, May 20, at the Whitefish Performing Arts Center in Whitefish, with additional televised rebroadcasts at Saturday, May 21, at 10 a.m. on NBC and at 4 p.m. on ABC.

As of Monday, all candidates — except Rosendale and Republican Ryan Zinke — had committed to participating in the debates.

For more information or to watch the debate recordings after they air live, people can go to https://montanafarmersunion.com/montana-debates .