Two of the three announced candidates running for US Senate met for their first debate in St. Louis, with the next scheduled forum set for later this month in Branson.

2^nd District Congressman Todd Akin and Former State Treasurer Sarah Steelman squared off Tuesday morning in St. Louis, with much of their exchange centering on taxes and health care policies, before attacking each other’s campaign positions.

Steelman says she’s a Washington outsider, who wants to change the status quo.  Akin pitches himself as a Reagan conservative, but doesn’t always side with party line voting.

Akin and Steelman have agreed to attend the “Conversation with the Candidates” hosted by Earls Family Broadcasting and Hometown Radio, January 30^th at the Branson High School Auditorium.  The 7 o’clock event is free and open to the public and will air on 100.1 FM KOMC and will stream live on HometownDailyNews.com.  The combination debate, and sit down interview will be moderated by News Director Monte Schisler.

After bypassing Tuesday's debate, A 3^rd announced candidate for the Republican primary,St. Louis businessman John Brunner has said he can’t commit to the Branson event either. Hometown Radio says he has a standing invitation to participate, and the forum will be held despite his current decision not to attend.