Lynch, Markey Agree to 6 Debates in Senate Primary

BOSTON – The Senate campaigns of U.S. Reps. Stephen Lynch and Edward Markey announced on Monday that they have reached agreement on a framework for six debates across the commonwealth of Massachusetts.

The congressmen are running for the Democratic nomination in the special election to fill the Senate seat of Secretary of State John Kerry. The primary is April 30.

The agreement calls for three public, general issue debates in Boston, Worcester and Springfield, as well as debates on jobs and the economy, domestic policy and foreign policy. Debates will also be held in Lowell and New Bedford, with the sixth location to be determined. Debate hosts have not been finalized, but are expected to include local media consortiums.

The Berkshire News Network in Pittsfield has offered to host one of the debates to be broadcast across Berkshire County.

"I am glad that we have reached agreement on debates and look forward to getting started as soon as possible," said Lynch in a statement. "While I would be happy to debate more frequently, the reality is that we have nine weeks left in this election, and both Ed and I have to spend time in Washington trying to fix the budget mess. So I think this debate schedule makes sense given the tight timeframe of the election."

"This agreement ensures we will debate the issues that are most important to Massachusetts in regions throughout the commonwealth," said Markey, also in a statement. "Voters deserve to hear in-depth debates on the issues facing the state and the nation, and I look forward to scheduling these as soon as possible."

Both campaigns will be working out specific dates and details with various media outlets.