Gubernatorial candidates to debate July 5

CHARLESTON -— As voters prepare for the upcoming special election for governor, the Family Policy Council of West Virginia (FPCWV) is providing West Virginians with the opportunity to learn more about the candidates at a FPCWV sponsored debate to be part of the "2011 Faith and Freedom Forum", to be held July 5 at 7 p.m. at the Christian and Missionary Alliance (CMA) Church in Morgantown.

Participating in the debate will be Mountain Party gubernatorial candidate, Bob Baber, and former businessman and Republican candidate for governor, Bill Maloney. Acting Governor, and Democratic nominee, Earl Ray Tomblin was invited, but declined to attend.

"West Virginians want to know more about the candidates that are asking for their vote," said Jeremiah Dys, president and general counsel of the FPCWV. "The Faith and Freedom Forum will help West Virginians make an informed decision when casting their vote this October."

The debate will cover a variety of topics based on questions submitted by an ad hoc committee of clergyman from throughout the State of West Virginia assembled by the FPCWV. Each candidate will separately have a one-hour, sit-down discussion with Dr. Andrew Hawkins, associate pastor at the Morgantown CMA Church to respond.

The FPCWV's education and accountability programs reached over 50,000 voters in 2010 with critical information about where candidates stood on important issues affecting West Virginia's families. Uniquely positioned at the center of a coalition that includes national, state, and local organizations, the FPCWV advances, defends, and equips its statewide network of churches and families by mobilizing them to engage culture through education, legislation, and accountability.

The Family Policy Council of West Virginia is a servant organization that advocates for policies that embrace the sanctity of human life, enrich marriage, and safeguard religious freedom.