We held a debate on Tuesday at the University of Southern Maine with the candidates for U.S. Senate - incumbent Republican U.S. Sen. Susan Collins and her Democratic challenger, 1st District U.S. Rep. Tom Allen. The event was sponsored by the Press Herald, News 8 WMTW and Central Maine Newspapers.

It was a bit stressful putting it together, but in the end it went smoothly. The candidates debated 16 questions from panel of reporters, the audience, and the Web. We had dozens more questions ready to go, but there were only so many we could fit in the 60-minute broadcast.

Herbert Hoffman was there and demanded he be included on the stage as an "announced candidate for Senate." He asserted it was his right since the event was being held at a public university. We explained that the sponsors of the event set the ground rules, and while he was welcome to watch the debate or submit a question from the audience, only the candidates who appear on the ballot were invited to participate.

The Collins campaign won the first coin toss, to choose which podium Sen. Collins would stand behind. They chose the podium closest to the moderator, WMTW's Jon Camp. The Allen campaign won the second coin toss for the opening statement, and chose to go last.

I'm pleased to note that we didn't have to "disarm" any candidates like we did at the gubernatorial debate in 2006, when we had to ask independent candidate Phillip Morris NaPier to turn over his sword before taking the stage and sitting next to Gov. John Baldacci.

Anyway, take a look at the video from the event when you get the chance.

We'll be holding another debate on Tuesday, Oct. 28, also at noon, also at USM, for the 1st Congressional District candidates - Democrat Chellie Pingree and Republican Charlie Summers. Like Tuesday's Senate debate, the House event is free and open to the public and is sponsored by the Press Herald, News 8 WMTW and Central Maine Newspapers.

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