HENNIKER — The Center for Civic Engagement at New England College plans to host a primary debate with three Democratic candidates for governor on Thursday.

The candidates debating are Maggie Hassan, Jackie Cilley and Bill Kennedy.

“New England College has a long tradition of providing a venue for local, regional and national candidates to share their ideas on a wide range of current topics with members of the community,” Wayne Lesperance, professor of political science and director of the Center for Civic Engagement, said in a statement. “As we have seen recently in the presidential primary, debates play an important role in allowing the public to get to know candidates and to formulate their decisions.”

Hassan holds a bachelor's degree from Brown University and a J.D. from Northeastern University School of Law. After announcing her bid for governor, she organized Innovate New Hampshire, an online community where Granite Staters can offer their thoughts on improving life in the state. In 1999 she was appointed to the advisory committee of the Advocacy in Education and Finance Commission and was elected to the state Senate in 2004 to represent the 23rd district. She was subsequently re-elected in 2006 and 2008.

Cilley, a Berlin native, has taught at the University of New Hampshire and started her own marketing research firm. She served one term as a state representative from Barrington and was elected to the N.H. state Senate in 2006. She holds a master's degree from the Whittemore School of Business and Economics at the UNH.

Kennedy, a Danbury resident, attended UNH then served in the military. He's a self-described “middle of the road” candidate who has no ties to any special interest groups. Kennedy has said the state property tax system is outdated and that he would not take “the pledge” against state income tax.

WMUR-TV has organized the debate and plans to steam the event live on WMUR.com.

The debate is free and open to the public and is set to begin at noon in the Simon Center at New England College at 98 Bridge St. in Henniker. Seating is limited. To RSVP, email contactevents@nec.edu.