For results of student responses to the candidates’ performances during the debate, click here.

LPB and the Council For A Better Louisiana (CABL) held a candidate forum featuring the two major candidates in the 2008 U.S. Senate race: U.S. Senator Mary Landrieu and State Treasurer John Kennedy.

The debate aired live from the campus of Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge on the LPB Television Network and WLAE-TV32 in New Orleans. Public Radio stations WRKF-FM in Baton Rouge, KRVS-FM in Lafayette, KXUL-FM in Monroe, KDAQ (Red River Radio) in Shreveport, and KSLU in Hammond simulcast the forum. The event is now archived.

“LPB is excited to continue our long-standing tradition of providing these televised forums so that the voters can find out how the candidates stand on the important issues facing our state,” said Beth Courtney, LPB President/CEO.

“We feel that these forums are an excellent way to allow citizens to learn more about the candidates who seek to serve Louisiana in the U.S. Senate,” said CABL President Barry Erwin. "We are pleased to partner with LPB once again to provide these debates as a public service for voters across the state."

Questions came from Ms. Courtney and Mr. Erwin, including selected questions submitted from viewers. In addition, student in the audience from LSU and Southern University posed questions to the candidates. Citizens of the state submitted their questions as well.

As in years past, CABL has set criteria for participation in the forum. Candidates who have qualified with the Secretary of State’s office to run for governor were invited if they 1) polled at least 5% in a recognized nonpartisan or news media poll released prior to the forum, OR 2) raised and spent at least $250,000 in campaign contributions, established a campaign committee with a treasurer and campaign staff, and filed campaign finance reports with the Louisiana Board of Ethics prior to the forum.