WJFW cancels debate planned for 7th Congressional District

RHINELANDER — WJFW Newswatch 12 will not host its planned live debate between the candidates for Wisconsin’s 7th Congressional District that was planned for Sept. 29.

Democratic nominee Fred Clark agreed to participate in the debate, but Republican nominee Michael Alfonso has not agreed to participate. Because the debate was designed to feature both nominees, WJFW has decided not to move forward with the debate.

“We believe voters deserve the opportunity to hear directly from the candidates seeking to represent them in Congress,” said WJFW News Director Geoff Weller. “We appreciate Fred Clark’s willingness to participate and regret that we will not be able to provide viewers with the debate we had planned.”

The debate was scheduled to be moderated by WJFW Evening Anchor Dan Hagen, with veteran Wisconsin journalists Jessica McBride and Pat Kreitlow joining him as panelists.

WJFW hosted televised Republican and Democratic primary debates in July, featuring eight candidates. The station remains committed to providing voters with information about the candidates and issues in the 7th Congressional District ahead of the Nov. 3 general election.