Six of the First District congressional candidates will have a chance to quiz each other tonight at a debate in Portland.

The debate – sponsored by the League of Young Voters and the Professional Firefighters of Maine – begins at 7 at Space Gallery, 538 Congress St.

Democrats Michael Brennan, Adam Cote, Steve Meister, Chellie Pingree and Ethan Strimling are scheduled to participate, as is Republican Dean Scontras.

Democrat Mark Lawrence, whose father died last weekend, is not expected to attend. Neither is Republican Charlie Summers, a member of the Naval Reserves who is currently stationed in Iraq. Both of their campaigns are planning to send representatives.

Tonight's debate is one of many such forums being held in advance of the June 10 Democratic and Republican primaries. The winners of those contests will face off in November to replace Democratic Rep. Tom Allen, who is vacating the seat to challenge Republican Sen. Susan Collins.