Guinn, Jones prepare for debate showdowns

Gubernatorial candidates Kenny Guinn and Jan Laverty Jones will face off for their first debate tonight in an event both political camps are calling an important moment in the fall campaign.

"I'd say Kenny has spent two, maybe three days, just preparing for this debate," said Pete Ernaut, Guinn's campaign manager. "The key is to have no unexpected questions."

Roy Behr, a political consultant retained by Jones, said the Las Vegas mayor has spent several hours preparing for the debate.

The format for tonight's hourlong debate is for both a panel of journalists and the candidates themselves to ask questions.

The debate will be broadcast live on KLVX-TV Channel 10 at 8 p.m. today. The television studio will be closed to the public during the debate.

There will be a second debate at 1 p.m. Sunday at Desert Vista Community Center, 10360 Sun City Blvd. It will not be televised in its entirety, but it is open to the public.

A third debate, which will be televised, will be Oct. 30 in Reno.

"This really isn't a true debate. It's more like a side-by-side press conference where they answer questions," said Steve Parker, a professor of political science at UNLV. "But I will say this: It is 100 times better for a voter to listen to this than to pay attention to those 30-second ads. Those don't convey any new information at all.

"The debate will have its biggest impact based on how the media covers it. It is unlikely that large numbers of people will watch the full debate. But they read the newspaper and watch the news and see what is being said about it."

It is unlikely that the debate will influence public opinion a great deal, Parker said.

"The only way that it could really make a big difference is if one of them makes a big mistake," he said. "Since Guinn is ahead in the polls, he will likely be more cautious, more equivocal. Jones, on the other hand, will likely take more risks."

Guinn said he hasn't been in a political debate before.

"My experience in this state is that they have not been (a deciding factor). If you are well prepared, don't lose your cool and show that you can operate at this level, I think it shows everyone a short profile. ... I think a debate is important, but I don't think it is a defining issue in a campaign," he said.

Jones agreed that the debates will not be a deciding factor.

"I think that it is a good thing because it gives the public an opportunity to see both candidates, hopefully hear about the issues and see them perform under pressure," she said. "It's not going to be a deciding factor, but it is important."

Behr added that it is a good opportunity to see how versed candidates are on the issues.

"It's an important opportunity for voters to see whether the candidates have minds of their own or whether they are merely creations of their TV ads," he said.

Both sides have been coached by their staffs on possible questions.

"Obviously, the wild card is what your opponent will ask of you. Traditionally, they'll try to trip you up and make you look silly," Ernaut said. "Debates do create the aura of uncertainty of what will be asked. I think any intelligent campaign can anticipate the basics: crime, taxes, education."

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