Preview of the WBA US Senate debate

MADISON, Wis. (WMTV) – On Friday, the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association will host the U.S. Senate debate between Democratic incumbent Sen. Tammy Baldwin and Republican challenger Eric Hovde.

Control of the Senate is at stake and the Wisconsin race is one of the most closely watched races in the country. Both campaigns told WMTV’s State Capitol Bureau chief that Baldwin and Hovde have been actively preparing and are ready for their only election debate on WMTV in Madison, Wisconsin.

“There’s a lot of research behind it,” said Jill Geisler, WBA Hall of Fame honoree and debate moderator. “Control of the Senate means judges are approved, Supreme Court justices are approved, and laws are passed or not passed by whoever the president is.”

When asked what viewers should keep in mind when watching the debate, Geisler said to pay attention to substance.

“I want [viewers] to ask themselves, “Are they really answering the questions?” Are they giving me empty calories? Are they talking about lofty ideas that they don’t talk about funding or implementing?’”

The data and questions teams have been preparing for Friday night’s debate for months.

“We hope we’ve been paying attention, and we’re going to ask questions that make viewers say, ‘That’s what I was hoping they would ask,'” Geisler said.

The Cook Political Report, which classifies the race as a contest, will make this debate one to watch, said Senate Republican leader Sen. John Barrasso.

“This is a mistake, this is the deciding factor in the direction of the country right now, and that’s why this debate and election in Wisconsin are so important to the future of America,” Barrasso said.

Wisconsin Democratic Chairman Ben Wikler agreed, declaring that the race was “basically a tie.”

“I’m really excited and excited and want to make sure as many people in Wisconsin as possible see what’s happening on this debate stage,” Wikler said.

A coin toss decides which candidate comes first. Questions will be asked that generally apply to both candidates, and both candidates will have 60 seconds to respond, Geisler said.

The hour-long debate will air on radio and television stations across the state on Friday at 7:00 p.m. CST.

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