Attend the Democratic U.S. Senate debate co-sponsored by KATU

Published: Apr 14, 2008 at 11:44 AM PDT Last Updated: Nov 20, 2008 at 6:26 PM PDT
Attend the Democratic U.S. Senate debate co-sponsored by KATU
Five Democratic candidates for the U.S. Senate, from left, Candy Neville, Jeff Merkley, David Loera, Steve Novick and Pavel Goberman, field questions Friday, March 7, 2008, in Eugene, Ore., during a forum hosted by the Eugene City Club. (AP Photo/The Register-Guard, Brian Davies)

This is a press release from Pacific University:

FOREST GROVE, Ore. - On April 27, Pacific University, KATU and the OLMV will join efforts for a live, televised debate between 2008 U.S. Senate Democratic candidates.

The debate will feature candidates David Loera, Jeff Merkley, Candy Neville and Steve Novick.  The live debate, to be moderated by KATU anchor Steve Dunn, will take place in the Taylor-Meade Performing Arts Center in McCready Hall of Pacific’s Forest Grove campus.

Pacific has a long history of facilitating and participating in political forums, hosting the Tom McCall Forum for the last 25 years. In that same tradition, Pacific hopes to expand its tradition of excellence by exploring a new opportunity for political discourse through the 2008 U.S. senatorial debate.

“Pacific is thrilled to sponsor this important debate as part of our on-going commitment to promoting a lively engagement with public affairs,” said Bob Van Dyk, Professor and Chair of the Politics and Government department at Pacific. 

Mark Truax ’09, President of the Politics and Law Forum, echoed the importance of the debate as an educational and social event: “Working side-by-side with the professionals from Pacific, KATU, and the Oregon League of Minority Voters has provided me a unique opportunity to gain tremendous real-world experience …. There are certain things that cannot be taught in a classroom; this type of planning experience is one of them.” 

Co-sponsor OLMV shares a similar ethos.  “At [the OLMV] we envision a civic society that promotes a sound dialogue and participatory democracy,” said Promise King, Executive Director of the OLMV, “and we believe this partnership will help support and advance that vision.”

The debate represents a dynamic partnership between KATU, the OLMV, and Pacific. 

“We are very happy to present this important event to the communities we serve,” said John Tamerlano, VP and General Manager of KATU-TV.  “This is a great partnership,” said Barb Richey, Associate VP of Marketing and Communications, “it will be a great showcase for Pacific and excellent exposure for KATU and the League.”

Doors open at 3 p.m. for ticketed general admission seating. The doors will close promptly at 3:50 p.m. with the debate starting at 4 p.m.  Tickets are available through the OLMV at info@oregonlmv.org or (503) 289-7520.  There will be no tickets available at the door.