WVLT will broadcast the first live televised debate between Mike McWherter and Bill Haslam on Tuesday 9/14 at 8PM. The public is invited to submit written or YouTube video questions at the Highlands Debate website.

More info in the press release after the jump...

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) – East Tennesseans get to play a direct role in the first televised debate between Knoxville Mayor Bill Haslam (R) and businessman Mike McWherter (D), Sept. 14, 2010, and VOLUNTEER TV will be the first Knoxville news station to bring the two candidates, on the same stage, to voters.

VOLUNTEER TV is proud to partner with NewsChannel 5 WTVF in Nashville, The Highlands, Tennessee Tech University and the Tennessee League of Women Voters for this important event for our state. The debate is scheduled for 8 p.m. EST/7 p.m. CST, and will be carried live on VOLUNTEER TV and VolunteerTV.com.

"Our state and our nation are at historic social and economic crossroads," said Volunteer TV Executive Vice President and General Manager Chris Baker "Perhaps not in the past 100 years has the election of a Governor been more important to the state of Tennessee. WVLT’s role in making sure our viewers are informed of the issues and where the candidates stand is more than our duty, it’s a privilege."

Voters can submit questions about topics important to their own lives and families by visiting the [Highlands Debate website]. From there, Tennesseans can submit their questions via YouTube or in written form, as well as vote on other submitted questions. Several submitted questions will be asked during the debate.

Haslam and McWherter will take the stage, side-by-side in the town-hall style debate at TTU's Wattenbarger Auditorium in Cookeville, Tenn.

"Being the first televised general election gubernatorial debate ever held outside of Nashville, Memphis or Knoxville, the debate will give focus to hometown issues facing Tennessee rural and suburban areas, with an emphasis on economic development, education and health care," said Bob Luna, chairman of the Highlands Debate Task Force.