5th District Congressional Debate 2004

The capacity crowd listened intently.

On Thursday, October 26, 2004, The Wilson Center for Leadership sponsored a 5th District Congressional District pre-election debate in Crawley Forum on the campus of Hampden-Sydney College. Participating were incumbent Virgil H. Goode Jr. (R), Rocky Mount, and challenger Al Weed (D), Nelson County.

Hampden-Sydney College President Walter M. Bortz III opened the proceedings. Questions were supplied and posed by a panel of reporters from the 5th District. The coordinator of the event, H-SC Professor and Wilson Center staff member Dr. Warner Winborne, also served as moderator/time keeper.

     

President Bortz welcomed the large crowd and introduced the participants;
Virgil H. Goode, Jr. presented his opening remarks; Al Weed then addressed the audience.

(Above)Mr. Weed listened as a panelist asked a question. At the table are (l -r): Dr. Warner Winborne, timekeeper (Political Science Professor, H-SC), and panelists Mr. Elliot Irving (News Director, WFLO radio, Farmville VA), Mr. Len Stevens (Co-Anchor & Journalist, Lynchburg News Advance) and Mr. Lou Hatter (Managing Editor, Charlottesville Daily Progress).

The candidates clearly differentiated their respective positions in questions posed to them by a panel of news reporters. Each candidate reponded to international, national and district questions. The debate was the last in a series of debates around the district, which contributed to strongly stated difference of opinion. The standing-room only audience of approximately 230 was very attentive and well-behaved. Each candidate arrived at the Forum with many sign-bearing supporters, thanks to student-organized rallies were held on campus prior to the start of the debate, with each candidate bringing many supporters to the debate.

The panelists were attentive to the proceedings. Channel 13 TV in Lynchburg covered the debate.

The TV crew filmed the proceedings; Ms. Arlton and Dr. Marion
of the Wilson Center conferred on debate details.