Here's the theory:

Provided that the back lawn of the Inn at Lareau Farm in Waitsfield has not washed away with the torrent of rain and provided that the WiFi waves cooperate, we will be live-blogging the gubernatorial debate tonight right here at vt.Buzz.

This means that you get to sit in the comfort of your home while I wade through the monsoon. The monsoon of rain or the monsoon of political rhetoric, you ask? Both, I suspect.

Just to put you at the edge of your seat, I will remind you that this is the first meeting of the campaign for Republican incumbent Jim Douglas, Democrat Gaye Symington and Progressive Anthony Pollina.

Our first chance to see what points they will be most eager to make. First chance to see how much ammo they'll come out firing. First chance to see the real flavor of the race up close.

Off the top of my head, I would say that if Douglas were picking the venue and the topic for the first debate this would not be what he'd choose. The topic is environment. The event is the annual meeting of the Vermont Natural Resources Council, a group that has challenged the Douglas administration over it environmental enforcement and the boundaries of Williston's growth center, among other issues.

So will Douglas be on the defensive?

Will the relative rookie status of the other candidates show on the debate stage?

Better plan your evening accordingly. Debate is scheduled for 5:30-7:15 p.m. tonight.

- Terri Hallenbeck