(KTVI)- There could be more fireworks Wednesday in the already heated race for St. Louis County Executive. A new ad is coming out and a candidate`s forum is set to take place.
County Executive Charlie Dooley is being challenged in the upcoming August 5th primary by democratic county council member Steve Stenger. Today, Dooley is releasing his latest ad which Dooley`s communications director says highlights Steve Stenger`s role in human trafficking including the victimization of women and young girls. The ad focuses on a prostitution case from March of 2000 where Stenger was representing one of the people who was convicted of being a pimp in a prostitution ring.
Stenger has also been running ads attacking Dooley.
Topics there include a new county courts building reportedly costing millions more than Dooley said it would and alleged corruption in the Dooley administration. As for the candidate`s forum tonight, it is taking place at 7pm in the student center at the Florissant Valley campus of the St. Louis Community College.
FOX 2 has spoken with representatives from Dooley and Stenger`s campaigns. They say both candidates should be present.
The forum is focusing on all seven candidates on the ballot for St. Louis county executive but the focus will clearly be on Dooley and Stenger.
Under the format, each candidate will present a brief synopsis of their positions on issues. Then the candidate will answer written questions submitted by audience members.
The event is sponsored the league of women voters of St. Louis and co-hosted by the greater North County Chamber of Commerce.
The forum could be the only time Dooley and Stenger square off face to face before the primary.