The Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce (MBACC) and the Grand Strand Business Alliance (GSBA) will host two primary debates in June for candidates running in the 7th U.S. Congressional district elections.
The Democratic candidates will debate from 8 p.m.-9 p.m. Tuesday, June 5th. The Republican candidates get their turn Thursday, June 7th from 8 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
The debates are being held at Myrtle Beach High School and will be carried live on WPDE NewsChannel 15 and WMBF News.
Both debates are expected to garner national media attention including an appearance by Bob Beckel, FOX News commentator and co-columnist for USA Today's "Common Ground," at the Democratic debate June 5th and Joe Scarborough, political commentator and host of popular MSNBC weekday morning talk show 'Morning Joe,' at the Republican debate June 7th.
"We are excited to welcome national political commentators for two debates so important to our area. As we approach the June primary elections, these debates will provide the perfect opportunity to hear the candidates for the U.S. 7th Congressional district House seat address issues that are important to the Myrtle Beach area and entire Grand Strand business community," said Richard Singleton, chairman of the MBACC board of directors.
On June 5, Beckel will appear prior to the debate to address attendees as well as participate in a Q & A session. At the Republican primary debate, Scarborough will address event attendees on the current national political climate in the pre-debate program prior to candidates taking to the stage.
"Having this new congressional district is exciting for Grand Strand and Pee Dee residents and we know they're eager to see someone representing their values in office. We see this is a great opportunity to give our viewers time with the candidates, both Republican and Democratic, prior to the important June primary elections," said Billy Huggins, President and CEO of ABC affiliate WPDE Newschannel 15.
"We're happy to be broadcasting these debates live for our viewers that may not be able to make it to the events in-person. Being able to hear from all of the candidates and know their positions before the primary elections is critical for those living within the 7th Congressional district," said Ted Fortenberry, vice president and general manager of NBC affiliate station WMBF News.
MBACC and GSBA officials have said that while both debates will be free to attendees, a live broadcasting by two separate stations will provide greater access to Grand Strand and Pee Dee voters, giving them the valuable opportunity to hear from all candidates.
Free tickets for both the Democratic and Republican debates will be available beginning Tuesday, May 22, at the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce Oak Street Office (1200 N. Oak St., Myrtle Beach), and the Murrells Inlet Office (3401 U.S. 17 Business S., Murrells Inlet) from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Doors to the debates will open at 5:30 p.m. The pre-debate program will begin at 6:30 and the debates will begin at 8 p.m.
The MBACC and GSBA also plan to host a debate before the general election this November and are currently working on details for that event. For more information, visit www.myrtlebeachareachamber.com/sc7 or call (843) 626-7444.
