This story was originally published on September 17, 2012. While tickets are no longer available, the debate can be followed live on courant.com or ctnow.com (follow links in story) or by following the conversation on Twitter by using the hashtag #ctdebate.
U.S. Senate candidates Linda McMahon and Chris Murphy are coming to UConn Oct. 11 to take part in a live televised debate at the Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts sponsored by FOXCT and The Hartford Courant.
The debate starts at 7 p.m. and will precede the live, nationally televised vice presidential debate between Democrat Joe Biden and Republican Paul Ryan at 9 p.m.
Republican nominee Linda McMahon and Democratic nominee Chris Murphy are vying for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Sen. Joe Lieberman. The two candidates are expected to address a variety of issues regarding jobs, the national economy, and foreign and domestic affairs during the hour-long debate, which will be aired live on FOXCT and live-streamed on www.courant.com and www.ctnow.com.
“The University of Connecticut is honored to be hosting this important debate,” said UConn President Susan Herbst, whose academic field is political science and communications. “As the state’s flagship public university, UConn has a proud history of engagement in the electoral process and we look forward to a lively discussion of the critical issues facing Connecticut and the nation.”
The Oct. 11 event marks the third time Connecticut U.S. Senate candidates have come to UConn to debate the issues this year in events sponsored by FOXCT and The Hartford Courant.
“Debates are critical to giving voters deeper insight as they try to decide which candidate to choose for one of the most important offices serving Connecticut. We’re proud to partner with UConn once again on a possibly historic TV event,” said Rich Graziano, CEO, president and publisher of The Hartford Courant, and general manager of WTIC/WCCT-TV.
FOXCT news anchor Al Terzi will moderate the debate. The panelists asking questions at the debate will be FOXCT political reporter Laurie Perez, host of “The Real Story” weekly political show; Hartford Courant Capitol Bureau Chief Christopher Keating; and UConn political science assistant professor Vincent Moscardelli. Moscardelli’s expertise is in American government and congressional politics.
Written questions for the candidates should be submitted to opinion@courant.com. Questions may also be submitted on Twitter to @CarolynLumsden using the hashtag #ctdebate. Live discussion of the debate also can be tracked on Twitter under the hashtag #ctdebate.
A limited number of free tickets to the debate will be available. Online and phone reservations will not be accepted for this event. UConn students, faculty, and staff may pick up tickets at the Jorgensen Box Office in Storrs or at the UConn Co-op at the University’s regional campuses at Avery Point, Waterbury, West Hartford, Stamford, Torrington, and the UConn Law School, beginning Wednesday, Sept. 19. A valid UConn ID is required. The general public may pick up tickets at these locations beginning Oct. 1. There is a four-ticket limit per person.
All members of the UConn community are encouraged to attend the debate. Because the debate is being televised live, rules of attendance will be strictly enforced. Anyone not complying with the rules will not be able to attend.
The following rules of attendance apply:
- Audience members must be in their seats by 6:45 p.m. (Doors open at 6 p.m.)
- Audience members must stay for the entire event, even if it runs past 8 p.m.
- The use of laptops, cell phones, cameras, or any other electronic device during the debate is prohibited.
- No backpacks, book bags, or beverages allowed.
- Signs, placards, cards, and other campaign materials are prohibited within the auditorium.
- 2-inch candidate campaign buttons are permitted.
- Audience members are asked to refrain from applauding or in other ways demonstrating support for or opposition to a candidate during the debate.
Anyone needing special seating accommodations and those with questions about the event should contact the Office of University Events at 860-486-1038.