KET

An official from Kentucky Educational Television has said that federal regulations require the network to air a recorded statement from U.S. Rep. Ed Whitfield (R-Hopkinsville) tonight in conjunction with the network's 1st Congressional District debate at which Whitfield will not appear.

As the network noted, Whitfield's opponent - Heather Ryan (D-Paducah) - did confirm for the event.

"As it has in each Kentucky Congressional race this year, and in past years, KET invited both candidates in the First Congressional District to appear in a live forum. The Ryan campaign accepted KET's invitation, and the Whitfield campaign declined," said Shae Hopkins, KET's deputy executive director in a statement.

"The Whitfield campaign requested to broadcast a recorded statement. Under the 'equal opportunities' requirements of Section 315 of the Communications Act and the FCC's rules, KET is obliged to provide equal time by broadcasting the recorded statement," continued Hopkins.

Kentucky Educational Television will hold candidate debates throughout Sept. and Oct. for each contested federal race in the Commonwealth.

Though every candidate involved has not confirmed their attendance at their respective forums, the schedule was released for the events, which are to be televised live and simulcast on KET's website.

The line-up of debates, which occur every monday until a week before election day, starts next week on Sept. 15. Then, candidates for the 5th Congressional District are scheduled to face off. No Democrat is challenging incumbent U.S. Rep. Hal Rogers (R-Somerset) in that race, but independent Jim Holbert, of London, is running a low-budget campaign.

LOUISVILLE -- The four candidates for the Republican nomination in the 3rd Congressional District congregated in Louisville on Monday night for their race’s only full-fledged debate prior to the May 20 primary.

For three of the candidates, it was the chance to introduce themselves as contrasts to the race frontrunner - and former holder of the 3rd District seat – Anne Northup. Northup, on the other hand, spent the evening distinguishing herself from the man who unseated her in 2006, incumbent John Yarmuth (D-Louisville).

Property manager Corley Everett, UPS employee Bob Devore, and developer Chris Thieneman – each based out of Louisville – joined Northup on stage Wednesday night for a mostly civil engagement, broadcast live on the KET public television network.

Louisville businessman Chris Thieneman has confirmed he will restart his campaign for the Republican nomination 3rd Congressional District.

As originally reported on the PageOne blog this weekend, Thieneman will now face three primary opponents, including former 3rd District Congresswoman Anne Northup (R-Louisville).

Thieneman would not divulge many details about his campaign today, except to refer to the forthcoming 3rd District GOP debate on KET April 28 at 8pm.