Three people are running for the Democratic gubernatorial nomination in Virginia – but four companies are teaming up in a unique multi-platform partnership to let voters quiz the candidates. WJLA-TV Washington, DC, Politico, Google and YouTube are all behind “Battlefield Virginia.” The special will air on June 3, 2009 at 8:00 pm on WJLA.
Prior to the broadcast, viewers will have a unique opportunity to engage with the candidates through the use of Google Moderator. Moderator allows users to submit text and YouTube video questions for the candidates. Web visitors will be able to review the questions in advance and through Google Moderator, vote the most compelling questions to the top of the list. Questions can be submitted at the WJLA and Politico websites May 22-28.
Virginia Democratic gubernatorial hopefuls R. Creigh Deeds, Brian Moran and Terry McAuliffe will all participate in the program. In addition to responding to web questions, they will be profiled in sit-down interviews with WJLA’s Leon Harris and Politico’s John Harris, where they will be able to address their views on the issues facing the State of Virginia.
The primetime special is an extension of the Battleground Virginia series produced by WJLA throughout 2008 presidential election. “Battleground Virginia” will also be carried on WSET-TV Lynchburg, VA and WRIC-TV Richmond, VA. The Virginia Democratic Primary election is on June 9th.
WJLA, Politico, Google and YouTube plan a similar multi-platform live Gubernatorial Debate prior to the General Election in November. Virginia Republicans will nominate their candidate by convention, rather than hold a primary, and Bob McDonnell is unopposed for the nod.
