Here are some thumbnail sketches from my perspective on the candidate performances in the 7th District debate last night:

David Orentlicher–He was over prepared and over caffeinated.  Nevertheless, he gets points for being aggressive, drawing contrasts, and challenging the other candidates.

André Carson–He held his own against a group of challengers who are all more experienced.  He needed to make sure he didn’t stumble and he did that.

Carolene Mays–She got stronger as the debate went along, but probably wasn’t strong enough.  More than any of the candidates, she needed to hit a home run and didn’t.

Woody Myers–His was a strong performance.  He demonstrated a firm grasp of the issues  while displaying confidence and gravitas.

The four leading Democrats in the 7th District Congressional race (André Carson, Woody Myers, Carolene Mays, and David Orentlicher) debate tonight at IUPUI and on MyNDY at 7 pm, the only televised debate of the campaign.

It will be an hour-long event.  I will serve as moderator and pose all of the questions, though questions solicited from viewers will also be included.  We have a “lightning round” scheduled which calls for short answers to a series of questions.  Answers to the other questions are just one minute each to encourage candidates to be direct.

Look for questions on issues that include jobs, healthcare, war, immigration, and religion.  I intend to make this about issues but also about some of the things being said in this campaign.

• Brian Bosma taking Greg Ballard in to see House Speaker Pat Bauer.  Ballard returned about a minute later, alone, saying the Speaker was polite.
• Greg Porter deflecting questions about a possible run for Congress in the 7th District.  “I have a Congresswoman,” said Porter.
• Carolene Mays deflecting the same question.
• A full gallery in the House with lots of auto workers, motorcyclists and Farm Bureau members in attendance.
• A new refrigerator holding soft drinks for House Members complete with a sign telling staffers to stay away.
• Farm Bureau handing out clocks to lawmakers as a reminder that its time for property tax reform, supporters of the Hoosier Heartland highway handing out coffee cups.
• Bob Kuzman working as a lobbyist for the first time.