Missouri Senate Candidates Hawley and Kunce Set to Debate on FOX 2
In what promises to be a highly anticipated event, Missouri’s Senate candidates, incumbent Republican U.S. Senator Josh Hawley and Democratic candidate Lucas Kunce, have agreed to a live televised debate. Scheduled for October 31, 2024, the debate will be broadcast on Missouri Nexstar stations, including KTVI/KPLR-St. Louis, WDAF-Kansas City, KRBK-Springfield, and KSN-Joplin, as well as their digital platforms.
Nexstar Media, Inc. has made it a priority to host balanced and accessible debates featuring the candidates as part of their commitment to informing the public and helping voters make well-informed choices in elections. This debate has been a contentious issue between the candidates, with both Hawley and Kunce clashing face-to-face at the Missouri State Fair over debate terms back in August.
Hawley and Kunce Exchange Barbs Over Debate Invitation
Following the formal acceptance of the debate by Hawley, he took to social media to express his gratitude to Nexstar Media Group for offering to host the televised #MOSen debate. In his post, Hawley also took a swipe at his opponent, Lucas Kunce, questioning whether he would show up for the debate after previously running off from a State Fair debate offer.
Kunce, in response, highlighted that he had accepted the debate invitation over a week ago and accused Hawley of ignoring previous invitations and refusing to accept any other televised debate offers. Kunce pointed out that he had called for five debates in total, indicating a willingness to engage in open discussions on the important issues facing Missouri.
Poll Numbers and Voter Support
A recent Emerson College/The Hill/Nexstar poll released on Tuesday revealed that Hawley currently holds a lead over Kunce by 11 points, with support from 51% of voters compared to Kunce’s 40%. The poll results suggest that while Hawley may have an advantage in the race, Kunce’s team argues that the gap may be narrower, especially with the inclusion of reproductive rights on the ballot in November.
As the candidates gear up for the upcoming debate, both will have the opportunity to present their positions on key issues facing Missouri, including healthcare, the economy, and climate change. The debate will offer voters a chance to hear directly from the candidates and make informed decisions on who they believe will best represent their interests in the Senate.
In a highly polarized political climate, debates like the one between Hawley and Kunce serve as a crucial platform for candidates to articulate their policy proposals and engage with voters. The live televised event will provide a unique opportunity for Missourians to evaluate the candidates’ positions and assess their readiness to lead the state in the Senate.
As the countdown to the debate begins, all eyes will be on Hawley and Kunce as they prepare to face off on the FOX 2 stage. With the future of Missouri’s representation in the Senate at stake, the debate will undoubtedly be a pivotal moment in the lead-up to the November election.