The Congressional campaign in the 3rd District should heat up with two upcoming Democratic debates — one in Slippery Rock and the other in Meadville.

Candidates Kyle Foust, Kathy Dahlkemper, Mike Waltner and Tom Myers, all from the Erie area, are scheduled to participate.

The first debate is Feb. 9 at the Advanced Technology and Science Hall Auditorium on the Slippery Rock University campus. The doors open at 1:30 p.m., and the debate follows from 2 to 4 p.m. with a reception afterward in the lobby, where voters can mingle with the candidates.

The second debate is Feb. 26 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Meadville City Building.

Both events are open to the public and free.

The Democrats are seeking their party’s nomination in the April 22 primary.

Assuming U.S. Rep. Phil English, of Erie, R-3rd Dist., wins his party’s nomination, he could face a tough test Nov. 4 from whomever emerges victorious from the Democratic field.

Independent candidate Steve Porter is also in the mix for the November campaign. Porter, of Wattsburg, lost twice as a Democrat to English.

— John Guerriero