Incumbent state Reps. Susan Donovan (D-69) and June Speakman (D-68) were hoping to take part in a pre-election candidates forum with their two Republican opponents for office, Robert O’Neill and Rae-Ann Lawrence, respectively. However, attempts by the Rhode Island chapter of the League of Women Voters to schedule a forum that the two Republicans could attend were unsuccessful.

League rules do not allow “empty-chair” forums, so they had to cancel the forums for Districts 68 and 69.

Now Donovan and Speakman are hosting their own public forum, scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 3, from 6 to 8 p.m., at Leo’s Restaurant in Bristol. They are inviting the public the attend.

The two candidates released a joint statement that included the following:

“We believe that such forums are an important opportunity for candidates to share their values and policy positions with voters. We ask you to join us for questions and conversation at a meet and greet for Democratic candidates for local and state offices … We look forward to the exchange of ideas.”