In a highly anticipated second television debate, U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio and Congressman Patrick Murphy will square off against each other at 7 p.m. ET Wednesday at Broward College in Davie.
The hour-long debate between Republican incumbent Rubio and Democratic challenger Murphy is sponsored by Leadership Florida and the Florida Press Association, and produced by WPBF 25, a Hearst-owned, ABC affiliate in West Palm Beach. The event will be broadcast live through a network of stations in all of Florida's media markets. It will be moderated by WPBF news anchor Todd McDermott and a media panel.
"The outcome of Florida's Senate race literally could affect the future direction of the country, and 13 days before Election Day we know the eyes of the state and the nation will be on this debate," Leadership Florida President Wendy Walker told The Miami Herald. "We are pleased that both major parties' nominees committed so quickly to participate."
"The free exchange of ideas is at the heart of our system of democracy because it creates an informed electorate," said Dean Ridings, president and chief executive of the Florida Press Association. "This debate will provide an outstanding opportunity for Florida voters to see the candidates and understand their positions and their differences."
Murphy recently nixed a Univision-hosted debate because Rubio wanted to speak Spanish while he would have had to use an interpreter.
"As he's done in every election he's been a part of, Patrick Murphy is ducking debates yet again. I did six debates six years ago. Why only do half now?” Rubio said in a press release. “Floridians today deserve no less than what they received in 2010, and they deserve to know where we stand on the important issues facing our country."
Murphy responded by demanding as a condition of participating in more debates that Rubio serve a full six years if elected instead of running for president again in four years. Rubio declined.
Reach Nancy Smith at nsmith@sunshinestatenews.com or at 228-282-2423. Twitter: @NancyLBSmith
