The League of Women Voters of Mercer County is sponsoring a debate Tuesday between the Democratic candidates for the state House seat representing the Shenango Valley area.

Hermitage School Director James D. Lumpp is challenging 11-term state Rep. Michael C. Gruitza in the May 21 primary. Their debate is set for 7:30 p.m. at the Artman Elementary School community room in Hermitage.

The 7th District seat they are seeking represents the largest state House constituency in Mercer County -- about 61,000 residents, or more than half of the county's population.

Two other assemblymen -- state Reps. Rod Wilt and Dick Stevenson,both Republicans represent districts that include emaining portions of Mercer County and parts of

neighboring counties.The 7th District communities include the cities of Farrell, Hermitage and Sharon;the boroughs of Clark,Sharpsville, West Middlesex and Wheatland;and Delaware,Lackawannock,Pymatuning,Shenango and South Pymatuning townships. The League debate will be moderated by League member Ann Becker and questions will be asked by Herald Political Editor Nick Hildebrand,WPIC- 790 AM News Director Joe Biro and League Co-President Dottie Bieber. Questions also will be taken from the audience.