Republican candidates for governor will meet for a debate this month and the winner has been promised an unusual prize: a sword.
The Maine Wire, the media arm of the conservative Maine Policy Institute, is hosting a Republican gubernatorial debate at the Cross Insurance Center in Bangor on March 24.
The Wire announced the debate on social media this week as “A Clash in the Queen City,” teasing that it will include “pre and post-debate entertainment” and that “the winning candidate gets a sword.”
In response to questions about the debate, including whether the winner will actually get a sword, and if so, how the winner will be determined, Maine Wire Editor-in-Chief Steve Robinson sent the Press Herald a photo of a sword engraved with “Sword of Truth” and the Maine Wire logo — and no written response.
The Press Herald confirmed with eight of the 11 Republican candidates that they plan to attend. Attendees will include Jonathan Bush, Bobby Charles, David Jones, Jim Libby, Garrett Mason, Owen McCarthy, Ben Midgley and Robert Wessels.
David Foster and Randy Lee Wilcox said they were not aware of the debate, while Ken Capron said he will likely be ending his campaign soon.
The debate comes as activity is ramping up in the governor’s race. There are 22 candidates vying to replace Democratic Gov. Janet Mills, who is term-limited and running for U.S. Senate.
On Saturday, candidates from both parties will attend the Maine Fishermen’s Forum in Rockport, where they’ll present their ideas on Maine’s fisheries and aquaculture industries.
They’ll also meet March 18 in Augusta for a health care forum hosted by the Maine Primary Care Association, and on March 19 in Houlton for a forum hosted by the Wabanaki Alliance.
Republicans will face off Tuesday in Old Orchard Beach for a debate hosted by Common Sense for Maine, while Democrats will meet March 21 in Topsham for a debate hosted by Democratic and progressive groups.
Candidates for governor will need to turn in between 2,000 and 2,500 signatures from voters by March 16 in order to make the June 9 primary ballot.
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