In their first meeting together, the two candidates vying to become the Central Upper Peninsula’s representative in Lansing squared off in a pre-recorded, one-hour forum presented by WNMU Public Media (Marquette) and WLUC-TV (Marquette). “The Michigan House of Representatives 109th District Candidate Forum” is expected to put the candidates and their positions in front of more voters than any other event this year.

The 109th House District covers Marquette, Alger, Baraga, and the eastern two-thirds of Dickinson counties. Democratic Representative Jenn Hill is seeking a second two-year term, while republican challenger and political newcomer Karl Bohnak is looking to unseat her. Both political parties are pumping a huge amount of advertising dollars into the candidates’ campaigns in hopes it will make a difference on November 5th.

(L-R) WLUC-TV's Andrew LaCombe, WNMU-FM's Nicole Walton, WLUC-TV's Elizabeth Peterson and WNMU-TV's Mike Settles.

“This election season, no Michigan race is of more interest than that for the 109th, as the winner may help determine party control of the Michigan House of Representatives,” said WNMU producer and forum moderator Mike Settles. “Representative Hill is the only democrat on the team of U.P. legislators representing our region in Lansing. The republicans would like to capture that seat and make it a clean sweep.”

The journalists questioning the candidates included WNMU-FM/Public Radio 90 News Director Nicole Walton, WLUC-TV6 News Director Andrew LaCombe, and WLUC-TV6 Anchor and “Upper Michigan Today” Host Elizabeth Peterson. The candidates presented and defended their positions on a dozen topics, ranging from the U.P. economy and energy needs to the ongoing political divide and attack ads dominating the airwaves.

WNMU General Manager Patrick Lakenen told the MAB, "We feel this is a unique collaboration of public and commercial media working together to inform and educate our local viewers during this unprecedented election season. "

WNMU Public Media is airing the forum as a special edition of “Media Meet” via its TV, radio and web platforms. WLUC-TV6 is making it available on-air and through its online app and website.  The forum was recorded this past Tuesday (9/24).