Goin’ to the candidates’ debate Democrat Jim Slattery and Republican U.S. Sen. Pat Roberts square off for the first time Saturday at the Kansas State Fair in Hutchinson. The debate is scheduled to start at 11 a.m. at the AT&T arena, and is open to the public. The two candidates are also set to debate Oct. 14 at the Kansas Assocation of Broadcasters event in Wichita, and Oct. 15 in Overland Park. Those two events are not open to the public, Slattery has wanted at least four more debates, which would be televised, but Roberts has declined. Meanwhile, in the 2nd Congressional District race, five debates have been scheduled between U.S. Rep. Nancy Boyda, D-Topeka, and her Republican challenger, State Treasurer Lynn Jenkins, also of Topeka. Boyda’s office released the debate list: ¢ Sept. 27 at Pittsburg State University ¢ Oct. 1 at the KTWU studio in Topeka ¢ Oct, 6, 8 or 9 in a debate sponsored by LJWorld.com, the Lawrence Journal-World 6News Lawrence and KTKA television in Topeka. An exact date and location haven’t been announced yet. ¢ Oct. 14 at KSNT in Topeka ¢ Oct. 23 in Leavenworth Ryun seeks funds to retire debt Former Congressman Jim Ryun sent out a note to supporters seeking funds to help him pay off his campaign debt from his Republican Party primary loss to Lynn Jenkins. Ryun served in Congress for 10 years before being defeated by U.S. Nancy Boyda, D-Topeka, in 2006. He tried to make a comeback, but was defeated by Jenkins in August in a close race that many thought Ryun would win. Through mid-July, Ryun had reported spending $1.5 million in the campaign. This is from Ryun’s letter seeking funds: “You helped put an authentic Conservative in office for ten years who is pro-life, believes in smaller government, adheres to personal responsibility and fought hard to make our taxes lower. We fought the good fight. You were there praying for me, entrusting me with the responsibility of representing you. Thanks for joining me in the arena. “We have nearly closed this chapter of our lives together, but there remains one more page to be written. We have some bills for the primary that need to be paid. Will you help me one last time to retire the primary debt?”