Format and Rules for League of Women Voters / Press Club Debates

2008 Primary

Candidates may bring notes and prepared questions to use during the forum. You may not bring props to display from the stage.

Once production of a debate begins, it will continue even if only one candidate remains on the set.

The U.S. Senate and First Congressional District debates will be 60 minutes; the Supreme Court debate will be 30 minutes.

The format is fluid, with an Idaho Public Television moderator and two reporters chosen by the Idaho Press Club.

• A reporter will ask a candidate a question.
• That candidate will respond. The other candidates will also be given a chance to respond.
• Response time may be limited by the moderator
• The moderator will allow some cross talk and/or follow-up from reporters as well as additional questions from the moderator.
• At a certain point, the moderator will move on to another topic.
• Every attempt will be made to keep time equal among candidates, but that cannot be guaranteed. The moderator has the authority to manage response and discussion time.
• Each candidate will be allowed one and a half minutes for closing remarks.
• Order of seating and closing remarks will be determined by draw of names or numbers.
• League members will be timekeepers.
• Audience members must remain quiet during the debate.