The Virtual Debate provides an opportunity for candidates and citizens to engage in an interactive forum on the important issues confronting our state. By creating a platform for thoughtful and constructive discussion, the Hall Institute hopes to encourage and facilitate participation in the electoral process.

New Jersey’s two major candidates for U.S. Senate- Democrat Frank Lautenberg and Republican Dick Zimmer - have agreed to participate in the Virtual Debate, and invitations have been extended to all other candidates.

Our 2006 Virtual Debate received extensive media coverage and attracted more than 9,000 participants. It provided New Jersey voters with detailed information about the candidates’ positions on health care, education, the economy and other major issues. The complete 2006 Virtual Debate may be accessed through our website at www.hallnj.org/virtualdebate06.

How Does It Work?

For the Virtual Debate, the Institute submits questions to the candidates and then posts the responses on a special section of our website. Candidates will have an opportunity to respond to each other with rebuttals. The online exchange runs from July 3 through Election Day in November. View Schedule.

Virtual Debate Format

1. The debate will begin with 1,000-word opening statements from the candidates. These opening statements will be due by 5 p.m. on June 26, 2008, and will be posted on July 3, 2008. The first question will be submitted to the candidates on July 10, 2008, and thereafter a new question will be submitted every 14 days.


2. Questions will be submitted to the campaigns on Thursdays by 10 a.m. and responses will be due by 5 p.m. the following Tuesday. If a candidate does not submit an answer, the words “No Response Received” will appear in the space set aside for the response.


3. Candidates’ responses can be no longer than 1,000 words.


4. Candidates will be permitted to issue rebuttals to their opponents and to comment on postings from citizens. The rebuttals will be posted one week after the original responses. Rebuttals will be limited to 750 words.


5. The debate will close with 1,000-word closing statements from the candidates. The closing statements will be due October 23, 2008, at 5 p.m. and will be posted on October 30, 2008 by 10 a.m.


6. All statements, responses and rebuttals should be submitted via email to senate08@hallnj.org.

Virtual Debate Schedule

About The Hall Institute

The Hall Institute is a non-partisan, not-for-profit foundation established to explore social, economic, educational and cultural issues. Located in Trenton directly across from the New Jersey State House, the Institute has posted a series of white papers, research essays and op-ed articles on its website at www.hallnj.org in an effort to generate debate and discussion and develop solutions to the problems confronting the state and its residents. More