Today's debate is moderated by Rod Smolla who is the Dean of Washington & Lee University School of Law. Introductions will be by John Epps, President of the Virginia Bar Association, and Timekeeper will be Steve Busch, President-elect of the Virginia Bar Association.
The candidates are Bob McDonnell (R) and Creigh Deeds (D).
Lineup for the debate:
11-11:05 - Welcoming remarks by John Epps, including reference to live internet broadcast and introduction of moderator and candidates. Deeds will enter from backstage at stage left and be introduced first; McDonnell will enter from backstage at stage right and be introduced second. No more than two aides will accompany each candidate into the backstage area.
11:05-11:10 am - Moderator reviews debate process, including statement that he is not a spokesperson for the VBA's views on the subjects discussed but is responsible for enforcing the ground rules of the debate, that the views expressed are those of the candidates, not of the VBA, and that sponsorship of the debate is not an endorsement of the candidates by the VBA. Audience members will be asked not to applaud or otherwise participate in the debate by any means other than silent observation.
11:10-11:15 - Candidates make opening statements (two minutes maximum per candidate). First statement to be made by McDonnell; second by Deeds.
11:15-11:40 - Moderator asks two rounds of questions, one to each candidate per round. First question in first round is to McDonnell; second question in first round is to Deeds. Order is reversed in second round. Moderator introduces each round by stating the topic of the round, e.g., "transportation," "education," etc. First candidate has two minutes to answer. Other candidate then has two minutes to respond. First candidate then has one minute for further comments.
11:40-11:55 - Each candidate will ask two questions directly of the other (two rounds, one question per candidate per round). Candidate receiving question has two minutes to answer. Candidate offering question then has one minute to respond. McDonnell poses first question to Deeds in first round; Deeds poses second question to McDonnell in first round. Order is reversed in second round.
11:55-12:15 - On behalf of audience, including both VBA members and guests attending the debate and http://www.virginiatalks.com/ participants, moderator asks two rounds of questions (one to each candidate per round). Candidate receiving the question has two minutes for answer, other candidate has one minute to respond. Moderator may ask follow-up questions. First question in first round will be directed to McDonnell; second question in first round will be directed to Deeds. Order is reversed in second round.
12:15-12:20 - Closing statements. Two minutes maximum per candidate. First closing statement to be made by Deeds; second by McDonnell.
12:20 - Moderator adjourns debate. Candidates exit to backstage, Deeds at stage left and McDonnell at stage right. President Epps invites VBA members and their guests to attend a reception for candidates and campaign staff immediately following the debate in the Crystal Room.
Epps will remind the media that candidates will be available only after they have exited the debate room.
Debate is about ready to begin....
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