Independent candidate uses AI to spark debate

In Virginia’s 8th congressional district, independent challenger Bentley Hensel has come up with an unconventional approach to engage incumbent Democrat Don Beyer, who secured a decisive win in 2022. Upset by Beyer’s refusal to join further debates, Hensel developed an AI chatbot called ‘DonBot,’ which mimics Beyer’s public positions. The AI uses OpenAI’s technology and pulls information from Beyer’s official platforms to generate responses. Set for 17 October, the debate will have Hensel and independent candidate David Kennedy facing off against DonBot, with Republican candidate Jerry Torres potentially joining if he responds in time.

Beyer’s campaign stated that he would not attend the upcoming debate, noting that he had already participated in a previous forum and had no plans for additional events. His spokesperson highlighted Beyer’s dedication to regulating AI to curb election misinformation but did not comment on the legality of Hensel’s AI tactic. Legal experts indicate that Beyer has few options to prevent the debate as long as the AI’s use remains non-commercial and clearly identified as artificial.

Hensel, who has raised about $17,000 for his campaign compared to Beyer’s $1.5 million, admits the AI debate is a last-ditch effort to gain attention in a race he acknowledges is heavily tilted in Beyer’s favour. He believes the event will highlight the potential of AI in politics while advocating for more transparency in election campaigns.