There's a candidates forum tonight at the Arizona State School for the Deaf and Blind's Berger Performing Arts Center, 1200 W. Speedway Blvd., from 5:30-8 p.m. The forum is sponsored by the Arizona Center for Disability Law, and according to their office, all candidates on the ballot were invited to participate.

Those expected to attend are gubernatorial candidate/Attorney General Terry Goddard; District 27 candidates Macario Saldate and Sally Ann Gonzales; District 28 candidate Bruce Wheeler; and District 29 candidate Linda Lopez. There will be another forum organized by the center next month, so perhaps there will be more candidates in attendance then.

Also in the world of candidate forums, The Range heard that superintendent of public instruction candidate Republican John Huppenthal had a change of heart and is going to appear with Democrat Penny Kotterman on Arizona Illustrated. Evidently, other than the Clean Elections debate, Huppenthal has refused to appear at any other forums with Kotterman. He has asked if he can show up at different times without Kotterman at some events, including two League of Women Voters' forums in Scottsdale and Tucson.

Huppenthal had cancelled the AZ Illustrated debate, but changed his mind this week. Host Bill Buckmaster told us he's pleased Huppenthal had a change of heart. The debate will tape and air on Oct. 4.

We e-mailed Huppenthal for comment about his change of heart and to see if he's planning to appear with Kotterman at future forums. If he gets back to us, we'll let you know.

In somewhat related news ... in this recent e-mail (after the jump), Huppenthal has organized an online candidates forum:

Dear Friends:

As a candidate for Superintendent of Public Instruction (Department of Education) I have been a champion for many families. I understand that, for many parents of children with disabilities, as well as individuals with disabilities, it is hard to get out to a town hall meeting to discuss the issues directly with the candidates. That's why I am hosting this on-line town hall meeting on October 5th, 3:00pm. It's as easy as turning on your computer! All you need to do
is open the link below and follow the instructions for registering on line.

https://webinars.webex.com/webinars/onstage/g.php?t=a&d=666686643

Please feel free to pass this information along to others in the community who'd like this opportunity to share thoughts, experiences and recommendations. Thank you for your time. I look forward to 'chatting' with you on-line on October 5th!

Sincerely,

John Huppenthal
Candidate for Superintendent of Public Instruction