Arizona PBS to broadcast Clean Elections Commission primary debates

Arizona PBS is set to broadcast seven primary debates, sponsored by the Arizona Clean Elections Commission, with more to come in the lead up to the 2018 elections.

The debates will be televised live on “Arizona Horizon,” moderated by Ted Simons, starting on Wednesday, June 13, with the Democratic primary for superintendent of public instruction. The Republican primary for the seat is scheduled for Wednesday, June 20.

The televised primary debates also include the corporation commission debates in June as well as the state treasurer and secretary of state debates in July.

“Our debates on ‘Arizona Horizon’ give viewers and voters a chance to see who these candidates really are,” Simons said. “The questions are firm but fair, with the resulting dialogue informative and, at times, downright spirited. You can learn a lot about a political candidate on an Arizona Horizon debate.”

The Citizens Clean Elections Act, passed by voters in 1998, is administered by a five-member, non-partisan Commission. The act established a system for voter education, clean funding for candidate campaigns and campaign finance enforcement.

Candidates who participate in Clean Elections to run for office are required to attend one primary election debate unless they are running unopposed. Candidates who are not running with Clean Elections funding are invited to join the debate, but their attendance is optional.

All Clean Elections debates will be posted online. The debates will be available on the Clean Elections website within 72 hours after they occur. The videos will remain online for voters to watch throughout the election. The debate will also be available on Arizona PBS’ website.

For more than 35 years, “Arizona Horizon” has focused on in-depth coverage of issues of concern to Arizonans. The award-winning nightly public affairs program focuses on politics, consumer affairs, the environment, business and health, among other topics.

Clean Elections Debate Schedule

Superintendent of Public Instruction (Democrat)

Wednesday, June 13, at 5:30 p.m. Watch it here.

Superintendent of Public Instruction (Republican)

Wednesday, June 20, at 5 p.m. Watch it here.

Corporation Commission (Democrat)

Wednesday, June 27, at 5:30 p.m. Watch it here.

Corporation Commission (Republican)

Thursday, June 28, at 5:30 p.m. Watch it here.

State Treasurer (Republican)

Wednesday, July 11, at 5:30 p.m. Watch it here.

Secretary of State (Republican)

Thursday, July 19, at 5:30 p.m. Watch it here.

Governor (Republican, only featuring Ken Bennett)

Wednesday, August 1 at 5:30 p.m. Watch it here.

Governor (Democrat)

Thursday, August 2 at 5:30 p.m. Watch it here.

District 8 (Republican)

Friday, August 3 at 5:30 p.m. Watch it here.

About the Citizens Clean Elections Commission

The Citizens Clean Elections Act was passed by voters in 1998 to promote participation in the political process and to ensure Arizona’s politics are free from corruption. The Act provides funding for public and voter education. For more information visit the Citizens Clean Elections Commission website: www.azcleanelections.gov