Michael Alfonso, a Republican candidate for Wisconsin’s 7th Congressional District, has invited his primary challengers to participate in what would be the first debate of the August primary.
In a social media post Tuesday and an accompanying news release, Alfonso said he is “eager to participate” and offered four local television stations — WSAW, WAOW, WJFW or WEAU — the chance to host the debate individually or in partnership. The stations provide the majority of coverage across the district.
Alfonso proposed the debate occur close to but before early voting for the Aug. 11 primary. Format, rules and logistics would be mutually agreed upon in advance by the host and all participating campaigns.
There is a crowded field in the 7th Congressional District Republican primary, with Alfonso squaring off against Kevin Hermening, Jessi Ebben, Paul Wassgren, and Niina Threlfall-Baum. The district covers much of northern and central Wisconsin and has been represented for years by Republican Rep. Tom Tiffany, who is retiring from his seat in order to run for governor this November.
