NSU will host debates between Florida’s candidates for senator and governor on Oct. 19 and Oct. 20. The debates will be televised throughout the state from the Rose and Alfred Miniaci Performing Arts Center at 7 p.m.
Senatorial candidates Repub-lican Marco Rubio. Independ-ent Charlie Crist, and Democrat Kendrick Meek will participate in the debate on Oct. 19. The following day, gubernatorial candidates Demo-crat Alex Sink and Republican Rick Scott will debate.
“We want our students to be part of the community where they live. These two elections will be very important to the state and, I think, to the nation because we want a balance of power in Congress,” said Dave Dawson, executive director of University Relations.
NSU will telecast the debates in the Knight Auditorium, in the Carl DeSantis Building, for students, faculty and staff.
Adriana Bolivar, junior psychology major, said, “It’s cooler than Bob Dylan — not that there’s anything wrong with Bob Dylan — but it’s nice that after having UFC fighters, NSU is showing an academic side.”
Brian Montero, senior psychology major, said he thinks debates are very important during election time.
“Debates give us an idea of what they’re thinking and how they react under pressure,” he said.
The debates are part of the “Decision 2010: Before you vote” project, which was created by Leadership Florida and the Florida Press Association. Antonio Mora, WFOR anchor, will moderate
both debates.
After the viewing in the DeSantis Building, the audience may participate in a discussion about the debate and a poll about who they think won it. Each Student Educational Center will also host debate viewings, but locations have not been announced yet.
Dawson said this is the second time NSU will host the gubernatorial and senatorial debates. He said the university also welcomed the candidates in 2004, when Charlie Crist ran for governor.
“This is a very critical and interesting exchange in a very competitive race. This is a state-wide televised event that will position NSU directly at the center of an important time in Florida’s history,” said Dawson.
