Congressional candidates to debate at NAU

Congressional candidates

While many people learn about upcoming election candidates through advertisements and brochures, NAU students and community members will have the chance to hear Arizona’s candidates for Congressional District 1 in person during in an on-campus debate.

The debate will begin at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 1, in Cline Library Assembly Hall. Participants include Republican Sydney Hay, Democrat Ann Kirkpatrick and Independent Brent Maupin.

The format includes one hour of questioning from a panel of journalists, including Laurel Morales from KNAU, Cyndy Cole from the Arizona Daily Sun and a student journalist. The debate will be moderated by Theresa Bierer of KNAU and NAU TV Services.

The questions asked during the debate are not pre-screened but expected to cover issues such as the economy, health care, education and foreign policy.

“It’s an important race and one of the few open congressional seats in the country,” said professor Fred Solop, chair of the Department of Politics and International Affairs. “We as citizens should be engaged in this election. The debate creates an opportunity to get a better understanding of the issues, candidate positions and what this election is all about.”

Solop believes this year’s election is engaging young people into the political system like never before.

“I appreciate the fact that NAU recognizes this responsibility and is tackling it head on, engaging the university and broader northern Arizona community,” Solop said.

The debate is organized by the Department of Politics and International Affairs, ASNAU, College Republicans and Young Democrats. KNAU will broadcast the debate live.