• FAST FACTS:
  • 9th Congressional District Debate Scheduled
  • Set for July 11, 2010 at 7 PM
  • Analysts Already Excited

tom.powell@wreg.com
twitter.com/tompowell3


(MEMPHIS September 30, 2009 9:30 PM) -- In a race where we've already heard one candidate call the other a curse word, there's no telling what kind of political drama a live debate might create.

Former Memphis Mayor Willie Herenton and U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen will take part in a debate next July on WREG News Channel 3. Herenton said he will take part while Rep. Cohen said he will if he does not have to be in Washington D.C. at the time.

The Democratic Primary election is set for August 5, 2010. Herenton left his office as Mayor of Memphis to run for Cohen's 9th District seat.

Memphis Flyer Political Analyst Jackson Baker says you never know what could develop over the next ten months, but if the debate were to take place tomorrow he says there would be some fireworks. "I think we've got two of the most monstrous egos that have ever been on the plant Earth," says Baker.

Baker says Herenton would likely go on the attack, and Cohen would try to avoid letting the former mayor get to him.

"And in that debate, you can be sure Herenton will try and get under Cohen's skin. He wants him to explode on live TV," says Baker. "Cohen has been very good about keeping his cool. I think he'll probably succeed in doing that in the debate."

Shelby County Democratic Party Chair Van Turner says those who've doubted Herenton would really run at all, may now be surprised. "Yeah, I think he's serious. I think it's been doubtful he would really do it in the past, but every indication now is that he's going to get in there and he's in there to stay."

Because it's a primary, the party will not endorse one candidate over another. They will support the winner in the general election.