The Week Ahead: October 15-21, 2012

Here's what's up in newsland and politicsville this week. Got a newsworthy event for next week's calendar? Email us by Friday to submit.

Monday, October 15

At 7:10 a.m., Republican gubernatorial candidate Randy Brock is on "Charlie, Ernie & Lisa" on WVMT 620 AM.
At noon, Republican Lt. Gov. Phil Scott is on Vermont Public Radio's "Vermont Edition" to discuss his bid for a second term. Listen live.
At 5:25 p.m., U.S. Senate candidates debate live on Channel 17 (CCTV) — well, all except the actual senator, Bernie Sanders. Challengers John MacGovern (Republican), Cris Ericson (United States Marijuana), Laurel LaFramboise (VoteKiss), Peter Moss (Peace & Prosperity) and Peter Diamondstone (Liberty Union Party) will be there. Steam it live.
Also, Monday is the deadline for candidates' monthly campaign finance reports — so we'll get a look at the state of the money race with three weeks to go.

Rest of the week after the jump...

Tuesday, October 16

At noon, the Burlington Free Press hosts a debate between state auditor candidates Doug Hoffer (Democrat/Progressive) and Vince Illuzzi (Republican). Stream it live.
At 4:30 p.m. in UVM's Waterman Building, political science prof Jack Gierzynski gives a talk called "Saving American Elections" from his 2011 book of the same name.
At 5:25 p.m., candidates for U.S. Representative face off live on Ch. 17 (CCTV) and take your questions. Slated to appear are incumbent Democrat Peter Welch, Republican Mark Donka, independent James "Sam" Desrochers, VoteKiss candidate Andrew LaFramboise and Liberty Union candidate Jane Newton. Steam it live.
At 9 p.m., President Barack Obama gets a chance to redeem his Ambien-induced performance at the first debate when he faces Republican Mitt Romney at Hofstra University in New York. Seven Days' own Kevin J. Kelley will be there and have a report on the spin-room scene Wednesday on Off Message.

Wednesday, October 17

At noon, state auditor candidates Hoffer and Illuzzi debate again — this time on VPR's "Vermont Edition." Listen live.
At 5:25 p.m., the candidates for lieutenant governor — Republican Scott, Progressive/Democrat Cass Gekas and Liberty Union candidate Ben Mitchell — debate live on Ch. 17 (CCTV). Steam it live.
At 7 p.m., Democratic Gov. Peter Shumlin and Republican challenger Randy Brock square off in another debate — at the ECHO Center in Burlington, hosted by WPTZ-TV.
Also at 7 p.m., St. Michael's College hosts a panel discussion on the Air Force proposal to base F-35 fighter jets at Burlington International Airport. Speaking in favor of the basing will be Lake Champlain Regional Chamber of Commerce prez Tom Torti and Greater Burlington Industrial Corporation prez Frank Cioffi. Speaking against will be South Burlington City Council chair (and retired Air Force colonel) Rosanne Greco and Bristol lawyer Jim DuMont.

Thursday, October 18

At 7 p.m., Seven Days and Ch. 17 co-present a state auditor's debate with Hoffer and Illuzzi. Our own Paul Heintz moderates with a live studio audience lobbing questions. Stream it live at sevendaysvt.com and snark it up on Twitter with the hashtag #vtauditor.

Friday, October 19

Got nothing for today. So go out and celebrate the end of another work week with the beverage of your choice. We suggest the new Switchback in a bottle.
Update: Actually, there is one debate today. At noon, the candidates for attorney general — Democratic incumbent Bill Sorrell, Republican Jack McMullen and Progressive Ed Stanak — debate on "Vermont Edition." Listen live.

Saturday, October 20

No such thing as a free lunch? Tell that to Bernie Sanders. Vermont's junior senator hosts an election-year meetup at Northfield Middle and High School at high noon.
Vermont Dems hold a "Countdown to Victory" rally at the Trapp Family Lodge, starting at 5:30 p.m. No word yet on the Republicans' "Countdown to clinging to the few seats we got" rally.

Sunday, October 21

Seven Days: Vermont's Independent Voice