The Free Press, Mankato, MN

Local News

October 28, 2009

Gubernatorial debate coming to GAC

All parties represented on Nov. 9

By Robb Murray

ST PETER — Gustavus Adolphus College will host a gubernatorial debate with candidates from all parties Nov. 9.

The debate, which will be in Gustavus’ Alumni Hall, will feature questions on higher education as well as other topics.

The event is intended to be non-partisan, but so far the list of confirmed attendees includes mostly Democrats, one Republican, a Green Party candidate and a candidate from the Grassroots Party of Minnesota.

Confirmed are: DFLers Margaret Anderson-Kelliher, Tom Bakk, Susan Gaertner, John Marty and Tom Rukavina; Republican Leslie Davis; Green Party candidate Peter Roess and Grassroots Party candidate Chris Wright.

Twenty-five officially declared candidates were invited to the forum, which will be free and open to the public.

“I think it’ll be a really good way for students to learn about the candidates,” said student Amanda McCourt, a sophomore and member of Gustavus’ College Democrats.

McCourt said south-central Minnesota has become an important area politically and one that candidates will be courting.

The St. Peter area, and especially Gustavus Adolphus precincts, traditionally have leaned toward Democrats.

“Gustavus is a pretty important district,” McCourt said. “I guess if we can capitalize on the fact that we have some sway to bring candidates here, we can be more involved in the decision-making process.”

Student Sean Tessmer, who leads Gustavus College Republicans, said he plans to attend and hopes the candidates discuss issues that students care about, such as tuition and financial aid.

He’s also curious what they have to say about budgets.

“I’d be interested in hearing about how they’ll find a way for Minnesota to get out of its deficits,” Tessmer said.

Participants will be given a chance to make an opening statement about their vision for the state and will then field questions from students and community members in the audience.

Gustavus assistant professor of political science Kate Knutson will serve as moderator of the event.

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