Forum hostsRepublican, Democratic candidates

MOSES LAKE — Republican and Democratic representation will both be present at the political forum tonight at Moses Lake High School.

The Friday Columbia Basin Herald article "Moses Lake candidate forum set for Monday" stated the forum is a Democratic forum and the Republican party refused to attend.

The forum is not strictly for Democrats. It is a no-host forum, Columbia Basin Herald Publisher Harlan Beagley clarified.

The Herald does not have a stance on either side, he said. The Herald editorial board produced questions for each candidate to answer for the forum. Three minutes are allotted to each candidate for opening statements. There will also be a question and answer portion.

"I can assure you I have spoken to many area Republicans, such as Janea Holmquist and Judy Warnick," Beagley said. "They are happy to be there tonight."

Grant County Republican leader Tom Dent said he planned to help organize the event but did not get a chance because he was out of town for 10 days and received a short notice about the forum. He said he also had trouble getting in touch with Beagley and Ellie Webb, chairwoman of the Grant County Democrats, regarding the forum.

It is difficult to get in contact with a congressional candidate on such a late notice, he added.

"We do recognize this is a short notice for readers and candidates, but with ballots in hand and important races on the line, tonight's forum should be useful," Beagley said.

The forum is at 7 p.m. in the commons of Moses Lake High School.