Veteran political journalist Judy Woodruff will guide the major party candidates for Virginia governor through their first debate of the 2013 election season.

The debate, sponsored by The Virginia Bar Association during its annual Summer Meeting, will be July 20 at The Homestead in Hot Springs. Woodruff will be joined on stage by candidates Ken Cuccinelli and Terry McAuliffe.

"We're absolutely thrilled to have the co-anchor of 'PBS NewsHour' - and someone with Judy Woodruff's experience in political coverage - as our moderator," VBA President Tom Bagby said. "This debate is likely to receive national attention and certainly will be one to attend."

Woodruff has covered politics and other news for more than three decades at CNN, NBC and PBS. She regularly co-anchors "PBS NewsHour," a program she rejoined in 2007. Previously she worked at CNN for 12 years, during which time she anchored the weekday "Inside Politics" program. Earlier, Woodruff served as chief Washington correspondent for PBS "NewsHour" and for NBC's "Today Show."

A nearly 30-year tradition of presenting debates to inform and involve voters -- another reason to attend the VBA Summer Meeting. Details: vba.org/vbasummer13