There are plenty of undecided votes to pick up, but whoever wins the Democratic nod for U.S. Senate will still have to face an uphill battle. Eyewitness News hosted our second U.S. Senate forum Monday night. This time, it was a chance for the Democrats to speak.
State Sen. David Haley, Lisa Johnston, Charles Schollenberger and Patrick Wiesner appeared in the live forum from the KWCH-TV. Robert Conroy elected not to participate. An invitation was extended to all candidates who filed for the Democratic primary August 3. Dr. Russell Arben Fox, a political science professor from Friends University noted all of the candidates simply did their best to introduce themselves, and there was very little arguing among the candidates. "One of the reasons why it's interesting is because these are four candidates that have, in comparison to (Congressmen Todd) Tiahrt and (Jerry) Moran, far less money, far less exposure, and we know far less about them," says Dr. Fox. Dr. Fox said he felt Johnston and Schollenberger should expect to see increases in the polls after the forum, and that's important. Eyewitness News' latest Survey USA poll showed 36% of likely Democratic voters for the primary as undecided. Dr. Fox says Johnston appeared to be trying to appeal to women, moderates, and educators. Schollenberger did a good job of giving a positive presentation and trying to convince viewers Democrats have a chance in the Senate race, according to Dr. Fox. However, whoever wins projects to be vastly out-funded and without the name recognition of Republican candidates Congressmen Jerry Moran and Todd Tiahrt. ----------------------------
Sunflower Broadcasting, Inc. hosted a live candidate forum for Democrats seeking the U.S. Senate seat.
State Sen. David Haley, Lisa Johnston, Charles Schollenberger and Patrick Wiesner appeared in the live forum from the KWCH-TV studios on Monday, July 19. Robert Conroy elected not to participate. An invitation was extended to all candidates who filed for the Democratic primary August 3.
The 30-minute forum was moderated by Eyewitness News anchor Cindy Klose and was the only live broadcast forum originating in Wichita.
Following the forum telecast, candidates or a representative of the campaign are invited to participate in an online chat with Kansans at KWCH.com, moderated by Eyewitness News anchor Michael Schwanke.
