Politics & Government

Broun and Simpson to Face Off On-Air During Upcoming Athens Debate

U.S. Representative Paul Broun and challenger Stephen Simpson will tackle pressing national and local topics during a radio debate hosted by WGAU 1340 on July 2.

 

Representative Paul Broun will take on challenger Stephen Simpson during an upcoming radio debate, hosted by 1340 WGAU

WGAU's debate, which will be held July 2, is one of two between the candidates. Broun and Simpson will appear on a televised debate on July 1, which will be hosted on Macon's local station, 13 WMAZ. The Athens debate will air at 9 a.m.

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WGAU News Director Tim Bryant, who will be moderating the debate, said there is no set format and listeners are welcome to call in with questions.

"Folks can certainly call in and ask questions," Bryant said. "It's just a couple of guys talking, and if folks want to call in and ask questions they're welcome to. I don't have any particular questions mapped out. I've never done that. It's just a conversation."

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Bryant also said debate topics will probably range from national to local issues. 

"I'm sure we'll talk about Obamacare and immigration, but then we'll probably talk about Caterpillar and local economic issues," he said. "So it will be a mix of things."

Listeners who miss the debate will have a chance to hear it again Sunday at about 8 p.m. and can also listen to a recording online, Bryant said. 

, both candidates have been working hard to have their campaigns reach all citizens. The expansion of the district means the winner will also take over for U.S. Rep Rob Woodall, who represented .

Broun, who has served in Congress since 2007, began touring to meet residents in his district. Trained as a medical doctor, Broun has built part of his campaign on staunch opposition to the Affordable Care Act and has introcued an alternative plan called the Patient OPTION ACT.

Simpson, who is a retired U.S. intelligence officer from Milledgeville, has stated his opposition to the ACA as well,  He has also said he hopes to protect agriculture in Georgia. 

Both candidates are running as Republicans. No Democratic candidates qualified for this election.


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