Saturday, September 22, 2012

Editorial: Hot debate set for a hot U.S. House seat

In one of the most closely watched congressional races in the nation, U.S. Rep. Dan Lungren, a Republican from Gold River, faces off again against Dr. Ami Bera, a Democrat, this time for the redrawn 7th Congressional District. - By the Editorial Board/Sacramento Bee

The stakes are enormous – both for the 7th District and the balance of power in Washington. Republicans are vying to control both houses of Congress and the White House. While that may be ambitious, they certainly don't want to let Democrats knock off incumbents and narrow their majority in the U.S. House.

...this debate could be pivotal, especially if both politicians are forced to break from their sound bites and engage with each other on their clear policy differences. Will the veteran politician, Lungren, teach Bera the finer points of debate technique? Or will Bera exceed expectations and put Lungren on the defensive?

If you are a voter in the 7th District, we urge you to tune in....

FOLLOW THE DEBATE: The Sacramento Bee will stream the debate live at 3 p.m. Tuesday on ◼ sacbee.com.

News 10 and Capital Public Radio will also stream the debate live on their websites. On Wednesday, The Bee will publish a story on the debate, News10 will air the debate at 9 a.m. and Capital Public Radio will broadcast it at 10 a.m. on "Insight."