AMES, Iowa -- Iowa State University has established a partnership with the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation and the Iowa State Education Association to sponsor a nationally telecast debate for Republican presidential candidates Nov. 6. The group also is collaborating to host a forum for Democratic presidential candidates Monday, Nov. 5.
Both events will be held at Stephens Auditorium, the 2,700-seat performing arts theater at Iowa State that has hosted a number of national news and political programs.
"As the state's largest grassroots organization, we're excited to partner with Iowa State and ISEA to bring presidential candidates to the state of Iowa. Iowa Farm Bureau members are interested in issues that touch all Iowans and Americans, such as renewable energy, trade and rejuvenating rural areas by supporting education, health, technology and more," said Craig Lang, Iowa Farm Bureau president.
"As educators, we think it's critical that Iowans do their homework and find out where the presidential candidates stand on issues that are important to us," said ISEA President Linda Nelson. "We're thrilled to be involved in these very important events."
The presidential campaign events will be held in conjunction with Iowa State's annual Biobased Industry Outlook Conference, which also takes place Nov. 5-6. The conference attracts industry and community leaders, academicians and government officials to learn and share information about producing and handling biomass feedstocks and manufacturing, distributing, and marketing biobased products. Conference activities will conclude prior to the candidate events each day.
Iowa State University President Gregory Geoffroy says the Iowa State partnership with two of Iowa's largest and best-known organizations demonstrates the shared commitment to bring together candidates of the two major political parties prior to the Iowa caucuses.
"We're pleased that the Iowa State Education Association and the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation are working with us to provide these opportunities to see and hear presidential candidates," said Geoffroy. "There are many issues of importance to Iowa and the nation during this presidential campaign, and we hope that the growth and development of the bioeconomy will be among the issues the candidates address during the debate and the forum."
The debate for Republican candidates, which was announced earlier this year, will be telecast by MSNBC and will be streamed live on MSNBC.com beginning at 8 p.m., central time. Details regarding the debate's format, including the moderator, have not been finalized.
Founded in 1854, ISEA is a professional association made up of more than 32,000 educators who are dedicated to promoting and preserving quality public education for all students. The Iowa Farm Bureau Federation is a grassroots, statewide organization dedicated to enhancing the people, progress and pride of Iowa. More than 153,000 families in Iowa are Farm Bureau members, working together to achieve farm and rural prosperity.