INDIANAPOLIS | The candidates for Indiana attorney general will square off Oct. 21 at Purdue University Calumet in a debate sponsored by The Times and the Rotary Club of Hammond.

Democrat Linda Pence, a private practice attorney from Indianapolis, requested three debates last month, while Republican Greg Zoeller specifically called for a debate in Northwest Indiana.

"The attorney general's role is significant to Hoosiers," Times Executive Editor William Nangle said Thursday. "The Times is honored to have been asked to help facilitate a debate between the candidates and appreciates the Hammond Rotary Club stepping up to serve as host. "

The debate will take place at noon on the Hammond campus. Further details are pending.

"Voters need an opportunity to learn more about the candidates than what they can learn in a 30-second TV ad, piece of direct mail or occasional newspaper article," Pence campaign manager Joel Miller said Thursday.

Both campaigns began running initial television ads this week, but neither spot can be seen in Northwest Indiana, which is served by the costly Chicago broadcast market.

"I thought it was important to have something in Northwest Indiana," said Zoeller, the chief deputy to outgoing Attorney General Steve Carter.