ABC 7 Chicago to Partner With League of Women Voters and Better Government Association for Series of Political Debates In January 2010

CHICAGO, Nov. 4 /PRNewswire/ -- ABC 7 Chicago, the station that has facilitated the broadcast of political debates for more than two decades, will partner with the League of Women Voters of Illinois and Cook County and the Better Government Association for a series of political debates in January 2010. These debates will feature candidates running for the offices of U.S. Senator from Illinois, Governor and Cook County Board President during the February 2, 2010 primary race. The debates, which will be broadcast from the ABC 7 studios, will air commercial free and will also be streamed live on abc7chicago.com. The time and dates of the debates will be announced in December.

As with past ABC 7 debates, the format will include an ABC 7 moderator and a panel of journalists, (to be determined), questioning the candidates on important issues.

Emily Barr, President and General Manager, ABC 7 Chicago, said, "Year after year, broadcasting political debates continues to be a top priority for our station. We believe they are an essential piece in the political process and our hope is that by providing a forum for candidates and the important issues of the day, voters will be able to make a more informed decision."

Jan Czarnik, Executive Director, The League of Women Voters of Illinois, "With so many serious candidates running for important offices, we look forward to asking crucial questions about the issues facing Illinois and to work with ABC 7 Chicago and the Better Government Association to ensure that these debates are conducted fairly."

Andy Shaw, Executive Director of the Better Government Association said, "With government in crisis at all levels and citizens demanding reform, these debates can help voters decide who they can trust to eliminate the 'corruption tax' we pay when government is run for the politicians and not the public. The Better Government Association is thrilled to join the League of Women Voters and ABC 7 in a new partnership during a time when Illinois voters will be making so many important decisions.

From a personal standpoint it's an honor to be partnering with the station where I covered politics for 26 years and engage in a pre-election activity that forces candidates to answer tough questions without scripts or handlers."