There was supposed to be a U.S. Senate candidates debate last night on the Time-Warner Cable News show “Capital Tonight.” But it turned into an hour-long “conversation” with only one candidate, Republican Thom Tillis, speaker of the state House. Democrat Kay Hagan, the incumbent, declined to participate, and Libertarian Sean Haugh wasn't invited.

The debate was organized by TWC, the News and Observer, and the Charlotte Observer. However, when TWC Cable decided to place an empty chair to represent Hagan's absence, the two newspapers refused to have their reporters take part in the questioning. So it was left to TWC's Tim Boyum and Loretta Boniti to ask the questions.

Haugh was not invited to participate because he failed to met the 15 percent polling threshold set by the organizers. However, Haugh watched the debate in the studio, and TWC aired his five-minute response after the program.

Read the News & Observer story here.

J. Wesley Casteen, Libertarian candidate for U.S. Congress District 7, was included in a debate held Thursday at the Johnston County Community College. It was hosted by the Greater Smithfield-Selma Area Chamber of Commerce.

"Adapting to change does not mean sending the same people back to Washington from the same parties that caused the problems,"
- J. Wesley Casteen

This will probably be the only debate in this race with all three candidates, Casteen, Republican David Rouzer and Democrat Johnathan Barfield.

Read more.

J. Wesley Casteen, Libertarian candidate for U.S. Congress District 7, has been endorsed by the Libertarian National Campaign Committee.

“We are pleased to have the opportunity to support a candidate that is dedicated to promoting and implementing the philosophies and principles of the Libertarian Party,” said Evan McMahon, LNCC executive director.

“Thank you for stepping forward and seeking office,” McMahon said. “I know it is not an easy task. We need more Libertarian candidates like you.”

“I'm grateful to have received the endorsement of the LNCC,” said Casteen.

The LNCC is a national committee of the Libertarian Party, and provides training, resources and support to Libertarian candidates in local, state and Congressional races.

In case you missed the debate—or just want to see a replay of Sean Haugh, Libertarian for U.S. Senate, giving serious, thoughtful answers to moderator Jon Evans’ questions while the other two mostly recited talking points and traded petty personal accusations. Here is the replay.

For most of the debate, Sen. Kay Hagan and Speaker Thom Tillis attacked each other and repeated the talking points from their campaign ads.  Only Haugh spoke directly to the issues throughout the debate.