Senate, gubernatorial candidates to debate in Reno

The Tea Party movement-aligned group “Action is Brewing” is sponsoring a debate on Friday in Reno for the top “conservative” candidates in the U.S. Senate and gubernatorial races.

The group, which recently changed its named from “Anger is Brewing,” helped organize the March 27 “Showdown in Searchlight” rally in Sen. Harry Reid’s hometown to oppose his re-election.

The gubernatorial debate is scheduled from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. with Gov. Jim Gibbons, former federal Judge Brian Sandoval and former North Las Vegas Mayor Mike Montandon expected to participate.

The top U.S. Senate candidates are scheduled to debate from 7 p.m. to 8:15 p.m.. They include former state Sen. Sue Lowden; Las Vegas businessman Danny Tarkanian; former Reno Assemblywoman Sharron Angle; John Chachas, a former New York investment banker and Ely native; Las Vegas Assemblyman Chad Christensen; and Bill Parson, a former Marine and project manager.

Sam Shad of Nevada Newsmakers is moderating the debate during which he and conservative bloggers will be asking questions, with the candidates allowed to engage one another after each makes a 60-second opening remark, according to organizers.

For those who want to view the event, Shad said KRNV in Reno, KVBC in Las Vegas and KENV in Elko will attempt to offer streaming video of the debates on their websites. Shad also intends to have video of the debates on his Nevadanewsmakers.com website by Sunday.

Doors open for the event at 5 p.m. at The Grove at South Creek, 95 Foothill Road. Open to the public, tickets will cost $15. Organizers expect the event to sell out.

Organizers will hold an 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. reception after the debates to meet candidates.