It's On

Just moments ago, Angelides campaign manager Cathy Calfo spoke with the California Broadcasters Assn.'s Stan Statham and agreed — again, officially, this time for sure — that Angelides would participate in the Oct. 7 debate.

Angelides' spokeswoman Amanda Crumley said there is an agreement not to let candidates know the questions in advance, and that Schwarzenegger's campaign has agreed in private negotiations not to use notes. The broadcasters, meanwhile, don't think they gave up anything to Angelides: they said all along there would be no prearranged questions, and they can't make any guarantees about allowing notes.

Either way, it looks like California voters will get their first debate of the general election — Oct. 7 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Statham said the debate will allow "average voters" to submit questions online or by mail. The candidates, he said, will be seated at a table at the moderator's left and right. The moderator will ask the questions, and the discussion generated by each question will last "as long as it is productive." Each candidate also will be allowed to ask their opponent one question.

"Surveys show that voters prefer innovative debate formats where the average citizen can play a role," Statham said.

Here is the address to mail questions:

California Decides
915 L Street, Suite C179
Sacramento, CA 95814

or go to californiadecides.com.