Watch live now: Democratic governor candidates debate

The four Democrats running for governor will participate in two debates on Sunday — one on live TV in Columbus and one before an audience of the Ohio Democratic Party faithful.

The four candidates — Dayton Mayor Nan Whaley, state Sen. Joe Schiavoni of Boardman, former state representative Connie Pillich of Cincinnati and former U.S. representative Betty Sutton of Akron — are not well known outside their regions. The Ohio Democratic Party is sponsoring a series of debates to elevate their profiles.

“Out goal is to get out and do as many debates as possible,” said Ohio Democratic Party spokeswoman Kirstin Alvanitakis.

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CBS affiliate WBNS-TV will air a one-hour version of its regular Sunday morning political talk show, Face the State, featuring the four candidates in a debate format. Political anchor Scott Light will moderate the 11 a.m. show, which will air live on television and on 10tv.com.

Less than eight hours later, Light will moderate the second, hour-long debate among the four, focusing on health care and government reform. The second event will be held in conjunction with the Ohio Democratic Party’s annual state dinner in Columbus. Alvanitakis said that debate will be livestreamed on 10tv.com as well.

The annual dinner will also feature a keynote address from Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe.

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