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ATTLEBORO

The Democratic City Committee will be holding a debate party at Democratic headquarters on Railroad Avenue tonight, and then will hold a reception for all its candidates at the Attleboro Arts Museum Saturday.

The debate party will follow a sign-holding event downtown and phone banking during the evening. After the activities, the Democrats will watch the Barack Obama-John McCain debate, which will start at 9 a.m.

The office at 7A Railroad Avenue is being paid for jointly by the Democratic State Committee and Sen. John Kerry's re-election campaign. It will be used by all Democratic candidates.

The reception at the arts museum will run from 5 to 8:30 p.m. It will feature several Democratic candidates, including Bill Bowles of Attleboro, Devin Romanul of Mansfield, state Sen. James Timilty, D-Walpole, and Sara Orozco of Needham. Lepper to be honored

tonight at museum

The Attleboro Arts Museum tonight will play host to a special night of appreciation in honor of retiring state Rep. John Lepper, R-Attleboro, who is not seeking re-election.

The reception will recognize Lepper's formal retirement after 22 years of public service. The nonpartisan event starts at 7 p.m., with a program to follow.

Attleboro GOP to hold

Oktoberfest social

The Attleboro Republican City Committee is sponsoring a traditional Oktoberfest Social on Friday, Oct. 17 at the American Legion on Newport Avenue in South Attleboro. The free event is open to the public and starts at 6 p.m. with a German beer and wine tasting and authentic German appetizers.

Everyone will get a chance to try Würstel (sausages), Brezel (pretzels), Knödeln (potato or bread dumplings), Käsespätzle (cheese noodles), Reiberdatschi (potato pancakes), or Blaukraut (cabbage). Dinner is pot luck, with everyone asked to bring a favorite dish.

The evening includes music, socializing and dancing. Anyone is welcome to come in German Oktoberfest outfits with prizes awarded for the best outfit.

Contact Howard Bibeault at 508-223-4435 for more information or go to AttleboroGOP.com. Ross to hold pancake

breakfast on Saturday

George Ross, candidate for state representative in Attleboro, invites the public to a free open house pancake breakfast Saturday from 8 to 11 a.m. at the American Legion on Newport Avenue in South Attleboro.

There will be a full free breakfast for anyone who shows up along with many family friendly events, contests and fun games.

The morning will include: family craft area, free raffles, games, music, volunteer corner, pumpkin painting and apple bobbing.

"My committee has put together a family fun event to give the voters an informal opportunity to stop by and say hi, maybe ask a few questions and eat some homemade pancakes. I promise there will no political speeches or long programs - just a free fun harvest breakfast," Ross said.

Bowles wins backing

from correction officers

Bill Bowles, the Democratic candidate for state representative opposing Ross, announced that he has been endorsed by the Massachusetts Correction Officers Federated Union.

Bowles said public safety is one of his highest priorities.

JIM HAND covers politics for The Sun Chronicle. He can be reached at 508-236-0399 or at jhand@thesunchronicle.com.