Moderators Announced for Two GOP Debates

Formats and moderators for two crucial Republican gubernatorial debates just before primary day have been announced, and many prominent media and political figures have agreed to orchestrate the action.

GOP candidates for governor Kevin Smith and Ovide Lamontagne will first clash in a 7 p.m. debate on Aug. 30. That event will be hosted by the local Southern N.H. 9-12 Project and take place at Windham High School.

Moderating the forum will be WGIR AM 610 and 96.7 the Wave radio host Paul Westcott and Chairman of 4RG Andrew Hemingway.

“We are pleased to have Mr. Westcott and Mr. Hemingway as moderators for this event. Both bring a high level of insight into the political process," said Ken Eyring, one of the Southern N.H. 9-12 Project founders.

"This is an exciting opportunity to look at these candidates and go beyond what we already know about Ovide Lamontagne and Kevin Smith and learn more about their core beliefs.”, added Westcott.

Democratic candidates were also invited to this debate, but declined invitation.

Smith and Lamontagne will next clash in a 10 a.m. debate on Sept. 9. That event will be hosted by Americans for Prosperity – New Hampshire and also take place at Windham High School.

Moderating the debate will be AFP-NH Director Corey Lewandowski, also a resident of Windham, and Robert Costa, a political reporter for National Review and CNBS contributor.

“Since this is the last opportunity NH primary voters will have to see these candidates debate before they cast their ballots on September 11^th, we thought it was important to allow them to raise any final questions they may have for each other,” Lewandowski said.

“During the debate, we will delve into specific issues where contrast exists between these two candidates,” Costa said  “By the debate’s end, we hope New Hampshire primary voters will be better educated on each candidate’s positions and be able to determine who will earn their vote.”

Both events are free and open to the public. To RSVP for the Aug. 30 debate, contact event@SouthernNH912.com and list your name and the number of people in your group. For the Sept. 9 debate, click here.