Hudson Patch to Host First Debate Between Shelly Moore and Sheila Harsdorf

The first debate between Sheila and Shelly will happen right here in Hudson.

Republican Sen. Sheila Harsdorf and Democratic challenger Shelly Moore will face each other in the Hudson Patch Debate on Monday, July 25, at the River Channel community access TV studio. It will be the first of three debates ahead of the Aug. 9 recall election. Hudson Patch editor Micheal Foley will host the event and act as moderator.

Only invited members of the Hudson community and media can see the debate live. The River Channel will tape the debate for later airing on Comcast cable's Channel 15. Hudson Patch plans to post video of the full debate on Tuesday, July 26.

Moore is eager to stand face-to-face with the longtime senator and show the voters what she is made of.

"I look forward to a substantive debate about the issues facing the 10th state Senate district this summer," Moore said. "The voters of western Wisconsin are tired of the divisive infighting in Madison, it's time to get things done. Our elected officials need to work together to address the many issues facing our state. Anything less is simply irresponsible. I will bring that to Madison."

Harsdorf hopes to use the debate as a forum to unveil exactly who is responsible for pulling together more than 23,000 recall petition signatures.

"I look forward to talking about what this unprecedented recall effort is all about and who's driving it," Harsdorf said.

In an effort to ensure the best questions, Hudson Patch is reaching out to its user community to suggest both questions for the candidates and specific issues (abortion, gun control, marriage rights, etc.) they'd like the candidates to address. Users can send an email to foleymo@patch.com with the "DEBATE QUESTION" or "DEBATE TOPIC" in the subject line.

The River Falls Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau has announced a second debate between the two candidates set for July 28. A third debate is still in the works.