LOS ANGELES (CNS) - The Los Angeles League of Conservation Voters has announced it will co-host a debate next month between the candidates for mayor -- the first of the election cycle to be broadcast live by a local news station.

The debate will be co-hosted with the Los Angeles League of Women Voters on Saturday, Dec. 15, and be broadcast on ABC7 from 7-8 p.m.

Channel 7 news anchor Marc Brown will moderate the debate,with questions generated by the League of Conservation Voters, according to League spokesman David Graham-Caso and ABC7 Vice President of Diversity and Community Relations Diane Medina.

The four candidates leading in fundraising will participate in the debate -- Councilman Eric Garcetti, City Controller Wendy Greuel, Councilwoman Jan Perry and former assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin James.

Emanuel Pleitez, a technology company executive and former assistant to Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, was not included.

The debate will be held at the Aratani/Japan America Theater downtown, which seats 880 people.