League of Women Voters cancels tonight’s forum after Benton says he cannot attendFree

The League of Women Voters has canceled tonight’s forum for the state Legislature 18th District Senate seat.

Republican candidate Brad Benton contacted the league over the weekend and said he was no longer able to attend. The league could not find a date that worked for rescheduling the forum between Benton and Democrat Adrian Cortes.

The League of Women Voters has a “no empty chair” policy, meaning forums cannot be held with a solo candidate when the other declines to participate, to avoid any unfair advantage for either candidate, according to a statement from the league.

The nonpartisan League still has three candidate forums scheduled:

Oct. 1 – 6:30-8 p.m., Clark-Cowlitz Fire Rescue, 21609 N.E. 72nd Ave., Battle Ground

• Clark Public Utilities Commissioner, Position 1
• Clark County Councilor, District 4

Oct. 5 – 2-4 p.m., Camas Public Library, 625 N.E. Fourth Ave., Camas

• Legislative District 17, State Representative, Position 2
• Legislative District 18, State Representative, Position 1
• Clark County Councilor, District 3

Oct. 7 – 6-8 p.m., Vancouver Community Library, Columbia Room, 901 C St., Vancouver

• Legislative District 49, State Senator
• Legislative District 49, State Representative, Position 1
• Legislative District 49, State Representative, Position 2