Two candidates vying to represent the “Big First” Congressional District will participate in a forum at Emporia State University at 7 p.m. Monday.
The forum will take place in Albert Taylor Hall in Plumb Hall.
Alan Jilka, D-Salina, and Tim Huelskamp, R-Fowler, are seeking the U.S. House of Representatives seat being vacated by Congressman Jerry Moran in his bid for the Senate seat. The “Big First” Congressional District covers 69 of the state’s 105 counties.
Jack Warner, Libertarian candidate, was invited to the forum but cannot attend.
The forum at ESU is the only one solely dedicated to the Congressional candidates.
Rob Catlett, director of the Center for Economic Education and the Center for Community Research at ESU, said the candidates will be asked the same questions and given a set time for responses. They’ll also give opening remarks to the crowd.
Moderated by Stephen Catt, chair of communications at ESU, the forum will include questions submitted in advance. To submit a question, visit www.surveymonkey.com/s/ESUforum.
No questions will be taken from the audience during the forum.
Catlett said those who live in the 1st District, who live outside of Emporia, can also submit questions.
The forum is sponsored by ESU’s American Democracy Project, the Associated Student Government and the League of Women Voters.
The forum will not be shown live on television, but The Gazette will stream it live on the Internet at www.emporiagazette.com.
Kansas State University plans to tape the forum for potential viewing on public television, Catlett said. Smoky Hills Public Television plans to air the forum at 8 p.m. Oct. 5 and at 7 p.m. Oct. 27 and Nov. 1.
For those in the 1st District who cannot get Smoky Hills, KTWU will air the debate at 2 p.m. Oct. 31.
Catlett said for many students, the forum will be the first opportunity to view politicians running for a national office. He also said that many students will vote for the first time in November.
About 100 ESU students will volunteer at the forum. Catlett said he hopes students will become more involved in the political process after viewing the forum.
The public is encouraged to attend, and like the lieutenant governor’s forum held at ESU five years ago, electioneering, or the act of promoting a specific political faction or candidate, is not permitted at or near the forum.
Admission to the forum is free, and Catlett said he encourages people to be on time or early.
reddog (K. B. Thomas Jr.) says...
Neither one of these canidates want to control spending or honor the constitution. If you have time go to You Might Be A Constitutionalist If.
September 26, 2010 at 8:46 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
MrCmonkeeDo (anonymous) says...
Thanks to the Gazette for streaming this.
Alan Jilka killed.
Tim Huelskamp made tea.
September 27, 2010 at 8 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )