LEWISTON – Mainers will elect a new governor this year, along with a U.S. senator, two members of the U.S. House and the entire Legislature.

Starting in May, Maine PBS and Maine Public Radio join forces to present debates in all the major primary races for Election 2002. Videotaped questions from Maine residents also will be presented.

Maine Public Broadcasting has formed an election year partnership with WLBZ 2, WCSH 6, and the Bangor Daily News to conduct a poll about issues facing the state in early May.

The following Election 2002 primary debates will air on the statewide television stations of Maine PBS, and will be rebroadcast on the stations of WLBZ 2 and WCSH 6:

. Republican gubernatorial primary debate will air at 6 p.m. Saturday, May 18 and reair at 1 p.m. Sunday, May 19, on Maine PBS. Barbara Cariddi, Maine PBS producer; Maine Public Radio’s Fred Bever; and Pat Callaghan, WCSH 6, WLBZ 2 anchor, will question the candidates.

. 2nd District Democratic debate will premiere at 6 p.m. Saturday, May 25, and repeat at 1 p.m. Sunday, May 26, on Maine PBS. Don Carrigan, Maine PBS executive producer Maine Public Radio’s Susan Chisholm and Pat Callaghan will question the candidates.

. 2nd District Republican debate will air at 6 p.m. Saturday, June 1, and rebroadcast at 1 p.m. Sunday, June 2, on Maine PBS. John Greenman, Maine PBS producer; Susan Chisholm; and Rob Caldwell, WCSH 6, WLBZ 2 anchor, will question the candidates.

. At 1 p.m. Sunday, June 9, all three debates and a rebroadcast of Route ’02, a collection of interviews with statewide residents and the issues that concern them, will air on Maine PBS.

More information on the candidates and background on issues can be found on MPBC’s Election 2002 Web page at www.mainepbs.org.