Alvarado, a former Republican state senator who ran alongside Gov. Matt Bevin in 2019, and Dembo, a political newcomer and former federal prosecutor, did share the stage at a Commerce Lexington luncheon back in July — though the candidates were asked to respond to questions separately and there was no interaction between them.
The appearance focused primarily on business and economic issues.
"We have to be mindful of the impact that tariffs can have on our manufacturers, farmers, distillers. The goal should always be to change unfair behavior and strengthen America's position," Alvarado said, taking a question on the president's favored trade policy.
"This uncertainty where trade policy is done based on tweets and tantrums... it's got to end," Dembo later responded.
Aside from a handful of zingers and comments by Dembo invoking his challenger, the appearance had the flavor of a cordial joint interview.
Now, with the midterms fast approaching, KET has released its schedule of candidate programs — with none of the candidates going face-to-face with their rivals.
Dembo is scheduled to appear Monday, Oct. 12, but Alvarado's name is absent. The same is true for Republican U.S. Senate candidate Andy Barr, GOP House contenders James Comer and Hal Rogers, along with Democratic Fourth District House candidate Melissa Strange.
In early September, the Kentucky Lantern reported Alvarado’s campaign said he had agreed to a debate with Spectrum, while Dembo’s campaign had signed on for debates on WKYT and KET.
It remains unclear if the candidates will settle on a date and forum for a standard debate.