Debates set

The League of Women Voters, Wilkes-Barre Area, will present a debate between candidates running for the 20th State Senatorial District at 7 p.m. March 29 at College Misericordia.

There are six contenders for the Senate seat to be vacated by Charles Lemmond, and all have confirmed they will participate in the debate. Candidates include: Lisa Baker, Lehman; Russell Bigus, Dallas; James Haggerty, Kingston; David Madeira, Dallas; Robert McNamara, Susquehanna; and Carl Sutton, Dallas.

League Board Members Christine McLaughlin and Jane Manganella, who are serving as co-chairs for debates, announced that the League also will present debates between candidates running for these state House seats:

121st District – 7 p.m. April 5 at Wilkes University’s Stark Learning Center, Room 101

Democratic candidates are Brian O’Donnell, Bob Reilly, Jim Hayward and Ed Pashinski. The lone Republican is Christine Katsock.

118th District – 7 p.m. April 26 at Pittston Area High School Auditorium

Democratic candidates include Mike Carroll of Avoca, who is state Rep. John Yudichak’s chief of staff, Alfred Akulonis Jr., Third District Democratic vice chairman Terrance Best and former Avoca mayor James “Red” O’Brien, both Pittston Area School Board members. Republican candidates are Luzerne County chief deputy sheriff Arthur Bobbouine, former Pleasant Valley school board member Jim Spinola and Chestnuthill Township Supervisor Maureen Tatu.

117th District – 7 p.m. May 4 at Penn State Lehman’s Hayfield House Room 105

The lone Democrat is Fed Nichols. The small army of Republicans: Eugene Stavitzski, Michael McCormick, James May (if he survives a court challenge), Tim Carroll, Karen Boback, Randy Tomasacci, Edmund Sichler Jr. and Stanford Davis.

I have been trying to track down websites for all the candidates. So if you are aware of any I missed please let me know.