As Democrats seek to take back control of the U.S. Senate, the race to replace outgoing U.S. Senator from Florida (and now failed presidential hopeful) Marco Rubio will likely be one of the most closely watched Senate races in the country.In August, a primary will determine the Republican and Democratic nominees for the seat, and both parties' respective primaries are fiercely competitive.
But even as Republican David Jolly, who represents much of Pinellas in Congress, and Democrat Alan Grayson, a Congressman from Orlando, do battle in their respective primary fights, the two plan on debating in Orlando Monday at 7 p.m.
Seems odd, huh?
Well, the two candidates seem to see the event, which will be modeled on a format developed by the Open Debate Coalition, as a way to rise above the mudslinging that's taken shape in each primary and instead focus on issues of substance.
The debate will be moderated by progressive YouTube outlet The Young Turks as well as the Independent Journal Review, and will consist of questions members of the general public are invited to ask via website FloridaOpenDebate.com.
Grayson, a progressive Democrat who faces Jupiter-area Congressman (and establishment favorite) Patrick Murphy in a fierce Democratic primary, is taking it on the chin by way of what appears to stem from opposition research suggesting conflict of interest in overseas financial dealings.
He said Monday's debate will offer a chance to debate on substantive issues.
"So much of what passes for political coverage now is trivial horse race stories and the latest personal attacks. The discussion of what’s at stake in this Senate race needs to go far beyond that,” Grayson said in a media release. “Using the Open Debate Coalition model helps ensure we actually respond to the will of the people, and not just discuss the Establishment and special interest agendas."
Grayson appears to lead Murphy in much of the polling that has been done. Earlier this year he challenged Jolly, the frontrunner in the crowded Republican field, to a series of Lincoln-Douglas-style debates.
“This is a debate over the future of Florida, officiated by the voters, and intended to present two contrasting visions for the future of the country,” said Congressman Jolly.
Lilia Tamm, program director for the Open Debate Coalition, said the as-yet unique event has the potential to "unite people across the political spectrum because they are not about right versus left, but new versus old."
The deadline to submit a question for the debate is noon Monday.