Boyce, Kauffman invited to debate before general election

Kauffman has declined the debate, citing traveling conflicts, while Boyce is expected to attend.

Senatorial candidates for the 47th Legislative District, Bill Boyce and Claudia Kauffman, have been invited to a debate in Renton.

Chambers of Commerce serving Kent, Covington and Auburn will hold the debate at 6 p.m. Monday, Oct. 24, at the Life of Victory Church, 17418 108th Ave. SE in Renton.

While Kauffman has declined the event due to traveling conflicts, Boyce has accepted. According to a press release, Boyce will take part in the debate with or without Kauffman.

“I am hopeful that both candidates will accept our invitation to debate each other seeing as there has not been a debate between these two and it is classified as a key race for both parties,” said Carmen Goers, Committee Chair for Kent Chamber of Commerce Government Affairs.

Moderating the debate will be TVW CEO and President Renee Radcliff Sinclair, whom Goers said has years of experience creating access to politics in Olympia and brings a high level of expertise to moderating this significant race.

“The 47th senatorial race is one of the most watched races in the entire State of Washington. The outcome of this race will have lasting impacts on South King County community and for the state as a whole,” said Goers.

The general election will be Nov. 8.

UPDATE: Claudia Kauffman responded to this post, saying she was unable to make the debate because of scheduling conflicts, and said she she did not decline the invitation.