Democrats set candidate forum

A forum at the Columbia County Library on Saturday will give residents the chance to meet Democratic candidates running for office.

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The forum, organized by the Democratic parties of Richmond and Columbia counties, is from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Jabez Sanford Hardin Performing Arts Center inside the Evans library.

"We want to offer this so that everybody will have an opportunity to meet the (candidates), see them and get to know them," said Floyd Everett, third vice chairman of the Columbia County Democratic Party. "Some (people) haven't even seen them unless it was on TV or some means like that."

Invited to speak and meet voters are candidates for all statewide offices and those running for the 10th and 12th Congressional Districts.

As of Friday, Mike Thurmond (U.S. Senate), Carol Porter (lieutenant governor), Russell Edwards (10th Congressional District), Georganna Sinkfield (secretary of state), Darryl Hicks (labor commissioner), J.B. Powell (agriculture commissioner) and Keith Moffett (public service commissioner) had confirmed their participation in the forum.

A reception with food and light refreshments will start in the library's lobby area after the forum.

Everett described the event as a question-and-answer forum and said that voters will be able to meet and speak with candidates during the reception.

"They're all going to be allowed the opportunity to give a pitch for their candidacy," he said.

Residents from throughout the Augusta area are invited to the forum, Everett said.

"We just want to get the word out to as many people as we can in both counties and surrounding counties to come out and attend," he said.

Admission is free, but those attending the event are encouraged to call (706) 825-8314 before Saturday.