By Adam Allington, St. Louis Public Radio
St. Louis, MO –
Candidates for the 3rd District Congressional seat will square off for their first debate of the campaign at the end of the month.
The St. Louis League of Women voters will sponsor the two debates on September 24th and 26th.
Incumbent Congressman Russ Carnahan is being challenged by former Governor Blunt's Chief of Staff Ed Martin.
Despite a national backlash against Democrats, Congressman Carnahan says he looks forward to highlighting the differences between his record and Martin's.
"I think every election is unique, but I always remember the advice my dad gave me: 'always run your campaign like your ten points behind,'" says Carnahan.
"I think the differences between myself and Mr. Martin will be stark and they will be clear."
Martin has repeatedly accused Carnahan of supporting what he calls "the Obama-Pelosi Agenda." In particular Martin says the Congressman has done nothing to stand up for Missouri jobs.
"It's an outrage and an insult to the people of America and this district for Congressman Carnahan to stand anywhere near the Chrysler plant and claim that he's fighting for American jobs," says Martin.
"We bailed out Chrysler with billions of dollars and within weeks the Chrysler plant in Fenton was closed and the jobs were sent to Mexico and Canada."
Martin stepped down from his job as former Governor Matt Blunt's chief of staff, amid allegations that he approved the deletion of public records and emails.
The debates will take place at Forest Park Community College (September 24th) and the Arnold Recreation Center (September 26th).