A debate between state senate candidates at the Piankatank Ruritan Club building on Tuesday, Oct. 6, turned into a free-for-all discussion between audience members and the candidates.

Arranged by club president Bobby Dobson, the debate began with 10-minute presentations by the candidates, Democratic incumbent Lynwood Lewis and Republican challenger Richard Ottinger, after which the floor was opened for questions.

Richard Ottinger

Ottinger was the first to speak. He presented himself as the candidate who “can see the real problems real folks face” and come up with solutions. He said that putting people back to work and diversifying the economy are the keys to taking care of problems in Virginia.

Ottinger said he began working in his father’s warehouse at an early age and learned the value of a hard day’s work. He said he would fight to “keep the government in check, taxes low and regulations reined in.”

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