By Dan Spalding
InkFreeNews

WARSAW — For what might be the first time in recent history, the city of Warsaw will host a congressional debate. Or at least two-thirds of one.

Two of the three candidates running for Indiana’s 2nd Congressional seat – Democrat Paul Steury and Libertarian William Henry – have agreed to participate as part of a larger forum featuring four other local races in Kosciusko County on Tuesday, Oct. 25.

Republican Rudy Yakym III, drafted by his party just a few weeks ago after the death of incumbent U.S. Rep. Jackie Walorski, is not participating.

The debates will be held at Warsaw City Hall and streamed live on the city website.

The Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce has been involved in several local debates in recent years and works with local media to organize the events.

Previously, organizers never considered the idea of hosting a congressional forum until Chamber CEO Rob Parker threw out the idea in a planning session.

Kosciusko County is on the eastern edge of the 2nd District, but now includes the city of Warsaw after recent redistricting.

“I don’t think we’ve ever had congressional candidates come for a debate that I remember,” said Parker who has lived much of his life in Kosciusko County.

Yakym told Parker that he had other meetings.

Craig Snow, a candidate for State House District 22, also declined, saying he would be in a legislative meeting in Gary, Parker said.

Parker said he was disappointed with the decisions not to participate, and “understands that they have jobs to do and that they tend to the matters they deem most important.”

The event begins at 5:30 p.m. The tentative order starts with the County Council District 3 race between Republican Tony Ciriello and Libertarian David Lewis.

After that are the candidates for prosecutor, Republican Brad Voelz and Democrat Travis McConnell, followed by candidates for sheriff, Republican Jim Smith and Independent James Marshall.

That will be followed by State House District 22, with Democrat Dee Moore and Libertarian Josh Vergiels planning to attend.

The final debate will include the 2nd Congressional District candidates.