No Agreement Between Shimkus, McCarter on Additional Forums

The candidates for the Republican nomination for 15th District US Congress have agreed to meet for one debate prior to the March 15 primary election, but that's the only time the two are scheduled to square off.

State Senator Kyle McCarter has asked for a series of Town Hall debates including one in Effingham, but Congressman John Shimkus' spokesman said the events have been scheduled without their knowledge or consent.

McCarter's camp has the Town Hall debates scheduled for Wednesday night in Danville and this Monday night, the 7th, at the Effingham VFW Post Home on Veterans Drive, both scheduled to begin at 7pm, with doors opening at 6:30pm.

Kayleen Carlson, campaign manager for Shimkus' re-election said, "Our campaign was never contacted by the McCarter campaign to schedule these town halls."

Shimkus and McCarter are scheduled to hold a radio debate on Saturday, March 12 in Vandalia.