The five candidates for governor of South Carolina are, (left to right, top) IndependentTom Ervin, Libertarian Steve French, Republican incumbent Gov. Nikki Haley, (left to right, bottom) United Citizens Party candidate Morgan Bruce Reeves and Democrat S.C. Sen. Vincent Sheheen.

Libertarian candidate for governor Steve French today committed to taking part in both of the political debates being sponsored this election season by The Post and Courier and its media partners.

The addition means all five candidates for governor will be on the stage for the first go-round, to be held Oct. 14 in the Charleston area.

Four of the candidates have also committed to the second debate date, Oct. 21, to be held in the Upstate.

Democrat Vincent Sheheen has cited a potential scheduling conflict.

Gov. Nikki Haley, independent Tom Ervin and United Citizens Party candidate Morgan Bruce Reeves on Thursday all agreed to take part.

The debates are being put together as part of a cooperative between The Post and Courier, WCIV-TV in Charleston, WACH-TV in Columbia, WPDE-TV in Myrtle Beach and WLOS-TV/WMYA-TV in the Greenville market.

Ticketing information and venues will be announced at a later date.

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Libertarian for governor commits to Post and Courier gubernatorial debates