Officials with Iowa Public Television today (Monday) announced they have cancelled the Iowa Press debate for the U.S. Senate race scheduled for October 20th, 2016. Senator Grassley (R-New Hartford) rescinded his acceptance of IPTV’s invitation, leaving former Lieutenant Governor Patty Judge (D-Albia) as the sole participant. Judge accepted IPTV’s invitation on September 23, 2016. Grassley’s campaign issued a press release on August 5, 2016, announcing his participation in IPTV’s debate.

The hour-long debate had been scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. in front of a live audience in the Maytag Auditorium at IPTV’s studios in Johnston. The program would have aired live on statewide IPTV and been live streamed on Iptv.org. The candidates had previously agreed to answer questions and discuss their platforms, concerns and future plans for the state of Iowa.

IPTV Executive Director and General Manager Molly Phillips said “Iowa Public Television has a longstanding tradition of candidate debates through Iowa Press, the longest-running statewide public affairs program. We are disappointed the debate will not be available to all Iowans on our air, online or in our studio.”