Hall Institute sponsors Lautenberg v. Zimmer 'virtual debate'

The two major candidates in the U.S. Senate race will participate in an online “Virtual Debate” sponsored by the Hall Institute of Public Policy, according to a release. 

“We are honored that these two distinguished candidates are taking part in our virtual debate,” said George E. Hall, the institute’s founder. “By creating a forum for thoughtful and constructive exchange, the virtual debate will encourage and facilitate participation in the electoral process.”

The virtual debate is scheduled to take place on the Hall Institute website: www.hallnj.org/virtualdebate.

According to the release, the debate will begin with opening statements from U.S. Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ) and his GOP challenger, former U.S. Rep. Dick Zimmer, on Thursday, July 3. 

A series of questions, responses and rebuttals will follow, and are scheduled to run through Election Day.

"The virtual debate will make it possible for citizens to log on to the web and learn where the candidates stand on the issues, how they differ, and what they plan to do for New Jersey in Washington, D.C.,” said Hall Institute Communications Director Richard A. Lee.

The Hall Institute’s Virtual Debate for New Jersey's 2006 U.S. Senate election, the first debate of its type in state history, attracted more than 9,000 visitors, the Hall Institute release stated.