Governor's debate set Wednesday on LPB stations

Three of the four major gubernatorial candidates will be featured in a statewide televised debate Wednesday night coordinated by the Council for A Better Louisiana and Louisiana Public Broadcasting.

Gannett Newspapers of Louisiana is also a partner in the event.

The debate will be conducted at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette's Student Union and open to the public. It begins at 7 p.m. and will be broadcast on LPB stations throughout the state.

Republican Public Service Commissioner Scott Angelle, Republican Lt. Gov. Jay Dardenne and Democrat state Rep. John Bel Edwards have confirmed their appearances.

Republican U.S. Sen. David Vitter declined to attend.

“We believe this year more than ever it is critical to focus on the real issues facing our state,” said Beth Courtney, LPB's president and chief executive. "Critical decisions need to be made about things like the state budget, higher education, health care and infrastructure and we look forward to asking the candidates how they will address the issues that really matter.”

The Oct. 24 election is less than two weeks away. Early voting is already under way and continues through Saturday.

“Recent polls indicate that even at this stage of the campaign, voters remain largely unfamiliar with a number of the candidates,” said CABL President Barry Erwin. “That’s why we think that a truly meaningful discussion of the issues that impact our daily lives is an important part of our democratic process.”

Follow Greg Hilburn on Twitter @GregHilburn1