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Two republicans debate over a seat at the Texas House

Republican state senate candidates will debate Thursday, March 1 at 6:30 p.m. in the Panola College Auditorium.

The Republican debate will feature candidates for the District 9 State Representative seat, incumbent Wayne Christian and Marshall Mayor Chris Paddie.

The moderator for the night's debate is Panola Government Professor Brian Naples. A three-person panel will also be present for the event. The panel will consist of Patsy Smith, president of the Panola County Republican Women, Judge Terry Bailey, Panola County Court at Law, and the Reverend Dr. Kirby Hill, Pastor of Southside Baptist Church of Carthage.

The debate format consists of a five-minute introduction from each candidiate followed by questions from the panel that will evolve around issues that affect the local community. Audience members will also be able to submit questions.

Wayne Christian is a businessman from Center. Graduating from Tenaha High School, Christian graduated as the valedictorian of his 1969 class. He earned his business administration degree from Stephen F. Austin State University and currently works as a  financial planner for Woodbury Financial Services.

Chris Paddie is a graduate of Carthage High School and Texas A&M university. He is the general manager of KHMT Radio where he hosts a daily talk show. He is also a stockholder and director of of Hanszen Broadcast Group Inc, which operates KGAS radio in Carthage and other radio stations in neighboring towns.

The Republican Primary Election will be April 3, with the general election set for November 6.