Debate season started: Ron Johnson vs. Mandela Barnes tonight; WIZM’s Brad Williams on the panel

The first of three October debates tonight for a US Senate seat in Wisconsin.

The 7 p.m. debate is between Republican US Sen. Ron Johnson and Democratic Lt. Governor Mandela Barnes.

The hour-long debate hosted by the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association, will also include WIZM’s Brad Williams, one of six panelists.

LISTEN: A bit of a debate preview on La Crosse Talk PM at 5:07 p.m., before the 7 p.m. debate. Tune in on the WIZM app, online here, or on 92.3 FM / 1410 AM / 106.7 FM (north of Onalaska).

Williams, on La Crosse Talk PM, said there is a question team and a data team. They all met in Milwaukee on Thursday to begin preparations. That work continues, beginning at 9 a.m. Friday.

The hour-long debate can be heard right here on WIZM or on the WIZM app.

Johnson has said in the past few weeks that Barnes has been hiding from him to debate, but the two have agreed to do two.

The Wisconsin Broadcasters Association will also host the only debate happening between Democratic Gov. Tony Evers and Republican Challenger Tim Michels.

That happens on Oct. 14.

Meanwhile, on the western side of the state, two debates coming up in just under two weeks for Wisconsin state Assembly.

The Oct. 19 debates begin with Democratic incumbent Jill Billings and Republican challenger, La Crosse city council member Chris Woodard for the 95th District.

After that, UW-La Crosse will also host the debate between Democratic incumbent Steve Doyle and Republican challenger Ryan Huebsch — who was on La Crosse Talk PM on Thursday — for the 94th District.

Those will happen at the UW-L Cleary Alumni & Friends Center Great Hall.

Lastly, it’s almost a certainty now there will be no debate to fill the open seat that’s been held by Democratic U.S. House Rep. Ron Kind for the past 26 years in Wisconsin’s 3rd District.

Democratic Wisconsin state Sen. Brad Pfaff has been calling for a debate.

Republican challenger, Derrick Van Orden, who lost to Kind two years ago, has refused to come to the table.