While the candidates for governor still seem to argue about how and how often their paths will cross — they've bandied about at least 17 forums or debates — Richmond has two confirmed gubernatorial debates in its backyard this fall.

The first is Your Community Forum, set for Sept. 22 from 6-8:30 p.m. at Coburn Hall at Virginia Union University.

The effort, led by Radio One, is co-sponsored by VUU, the Richmond Crusade for Voters, the Chesterfield Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and Rho Eta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority.

Candidates will answer questions exclusively from submissions on Radio One's Web sites — wtps.com, praise1047.com, ipower91.com or yestokiss.com — says Clovia Lawrence, the stations' community outreach director and on-air personality.

“It's just giving Virginians an opportunity to get up close and personal with the candidates who they will elect to be the next governor of Virginia,” Lawrence says.

The debate, moderated by CBS 6's Cheryl Miller, is open to the public. Coburn Hall seats 700 people.

About three weeks later, the candidates will be back in Richmond for the People's Debate. The Oct. 12 match-up, starting at 8 p.m., will be televised live statewide from the studios of WCVE and co-produced by WCVE and CBS 6.

The debate, sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Virginia and AARP Virginia, will be moderated by Judy Woodruff of “The News Hour with Jim Lehrer” and include questions from panelists representing the host organizations.

The candidates also will answer some questions submitted through an online component. Details on that process will be forthcoming, says Sue Worden, voter service director for the league.