If there was ever a time when one would not expect to see Democrats and Republican’s working together, it would be during this presidential election cycle. However that is not the case in Ontonagon County.

The Ontonagon County Democratic Party and the Ontonagon County Republican Party joined forces in coordinating a candidates forum. This will involve both candidates for the 1st Congressional District, Democrat Lon Johnson and Republican Jack Bergman. The forum will also include both candidates for Michigan’s 110th State Representative Seat, Democrat Scott Dianda and Republican Greg Markkanen.

The forum will take place on at 7 p.m. Oct. 4 in the Ontonagon High School cafeteria. A meet and greet session will run from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. when voters will have the opportunity to meet with not only the forum candidates but also candidates in Ontonagon County contested races.

“We are excited that the candidates are making time to meet with voters to share their views,” said Roger Halquist, chair of the Ontonagon County Democratic Party.

The chairman of the Ontonagon County Republican Party, Bob Niemela, remarked, “It’s refreshing to see both our Ontonagon County Republican Party and the Ontonagon County Democratic Party work together to host this Candidates Forum, especially in such a heated campaign on a national level.”

Bergman and Johnson are running for the seat being vacated by Dr. Dan Benishek, of Iron River. This seat is being targeted by both parties as it is a congressional seat that both the Republicans and Democrats have held over the years. Before Benishek, the seat was held by Democrat Bart Stupak of Menomonee.

While many consider Michigan’s 110 District State Representative seat trending to be a Democrat ‘strong-hold,’ Incumbent Democrat Scott Dianda lost to Republican Matt Huuki of Houghton six years ago, only to defeat the incumbent Huuki, four years ago.

Even in the ‘heat of the campaign,’ both the Ontonagon County Democratic Party and the Ontonagon County Republican Party jointly agreed on the importance of getting the candidates to Ontonagon Village and County.

“I’m really pleased to have both the 1st District Congressional and 110 State Representative candidates coming to Ontonagon. We have a lot of issues, both on the federal and state level that we need these candidates to address,” stated Niemela.

The forum would be moderated by Ontonagon District Court and Probate Court Judge Janis Burgess. Media representatives will join with the audience to ask the candidates questions.

“It is important that voters of the western U.P. are informed about the issues” said Roger Halquist, chair of the Ontonagon County Democratic Party and “We are excited the candidates will be in Ontonagon to share their positions.”