Debate schedule set in Senate race

None of the three debates will be in southwest Ohio.

Republican Sen. Rob Portman and Democratic challenger Ted Strickland will hold three debates this fall, although none are scheduled for Dayton or Cincinnati.

Instead, the two campaigns agreed to the debates which will be held in Northeast Ohio and Central Ohio:

Oct. 14 in Youngstown, Oct. 17 in Columbus and Oct. 20 in Cleveland.

What issues do you want Ohio's Senate candidates to take on? Tell us on our Ohio Politics Facebook page

The race between Portman and Strickland will be among a handful of contests that will decide which party controls the Senate next year. Republicans currently control 54 seats compared to 44 for the Democrats and independents Bernie Sanders of Vermont and Angus King of Maine, who are allied with the Democrats.

A Quinnipiac Poll this week shows Portman leading Strickland by nine points.

About the Author