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McCormack Graduate School of Policy and Global Studies at UMass Boston, WBUR, The Boston Globe to Host Political Debates this Summer

UMass Boston’s McCormack Graduate School of Policy and Global Studies, WBUR, and The Boston Globe plan to host live debates among the candidates for several offices this year, prior to the September 4 primaries.

The first debate, between the Democratic gubernatorial candidates, took place on the UMass Boston campus on May 17.

Debates are now scheduled in two Democratic primary contests:

-- In the Seventh District Congressional race between incumbent Michael Capuano and Boston City Councilor Ayanna Pressley. The debate will be held on August 7 before a live audience at UMass Boston, and

-- In the contest for Secretary of State, between incumbent William Galvin and Boston City Councilor Josh Zakim. The debate will be held on August 24 at the UMass Club, 1 Beacon St., also before a live audience.

The debates will be conducted as part of WBUR’s “Radio Boston” program, from 3 to 4 p.m., and will be live-streamed by the sponsors at bostonglobe.com, wbur.org, and umb.edu.

The show’s host, Meghna Chakrabarti, will be joined by a co-moderator from The Boston Globe. All four candidates running for these two offices have accepted our invitation to debate.

The sponsors are also planning a number of other debates and conversations among candidates this summer, and for the general election in the fall.

“We know voters will want to be as informed as possible when they vote in the primary in September,” said David Cash, dean of the McCormack Graduate School. “We strive to be a catalyst for civic discussions and are delighted to help provide this forum for the public.”

“WBUR is pleased to collaborate with UMass Boston's McCormack Graduate School and The Boston Globe on these important public debates because of our firm belief in promoting civic dialogue and public discourse,” said Tom Melville, executive news director of WBUR. “We’re particularly pleased to provide live broadcasts of the debates through Radio Boston, our vibrant daily local afternoon program, and live-stream through wbur.org.”

"These debates not only provide an important public service to Massachusetts, but they're also at the core of the Globe's mission," said Brian McGrory, editor of The Boston Globe. "We're looking forward to our continued partnership, and we invite voters and readers to watch these debates and read about them on BostonGlobe.com."

The debates will be free and open to the public, but registration will be required. A media advisory and additional information will be forthcoming.

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