NRA endorsing Walz

One organization that was a big supporter of Palin as governor of Alaska is also endorsing Walz. The National Rifle Association announced its endorsement of Walz last week, something the Democrat’s campaign publicized with a pair of press releases.

A retired Army National Guard command sergeant major, Walz has a strong record of backing Second Amendment rights.

Scheduling debates

People who are tired of hearing arguments about pigs, earmarks and other livestock-related campaign spats should start seeing debates among candidates in coming weeks.

The biggest ones are already set. McCain and Obama will square off three times — on Sept. 26, Oct. 7 and Oct. 15. Palin and Sen. Joe Biden, the Democratic vice presidential nominee, will debate on Oct. 2.

In Minnesota races, dates and details are still being negotiated. A Franken staffer visiting Mankato last week said Coleman and Franken have both indicated that three or four debates sounds reasonable, but talks are continuing.

Independence Party nominee Dean Barkley, who will be mostly invisible in terms of campaign advertising compared to his well-financed opponents, has asked for six.

No debates have been finalized in the 1st District either, although the Walz and Davis camps are said to be talking about it.

At least one local legislative debate is locked in. The St. Peter League of Women Voters will host a debate between state Rep. Terry Morrow, DFL-St. Peter, and Republican challenger Mike Bidwell of North Mankato.

That debate is scheduled for 7 p.m. Oct. 23 in the Governors Room of the St. Peter Community Center.