May 28 debate set for 8th District candidates

The Southeast Missourian will partner with Southeast Missouri State University and KFVS12 to host a debate among candidates for the 8th Congressional District. It is set for 6:30 p.m. May 28 at the River Campus.

The 200-seat Shuck Recital Hall will be the venue for the event.

The 90-minute live broadcast will air on KFVS12 and stream online atsemissourian.com.

Since seating is limited, each campaign will be allotted tickets to distribute.

All four candidates -- Republican state Rep. Jason Smith, Democratic state Rep. Steve Hodges, Constitution Party candidate Doug Enyart and Bill Slantz of the Libertarian Party -- will participate.

Southeast professor emeritus Dr. Tom Harte will moderate. KFVS12's Jeff Cunningham and Southeast Missourian editor Bob Miller will be panelists.

Southeast last hosted a debate among 8th Congressional District candidates in 2010.

"We are pleased to once again partner with KFVS12 and the Southeast Missourian to provide information to the people of our region," said university president Dr. Ken Dobbins in a news release. "We believe that active participation through such forums as public debate can educate our students, faculty, staff and the citizens of the area, and provide a clearer understanding of the issues."

Pertinent address:

518 S. Fountain St., Cape Girardeau, Mo.