UM to host gubernatorial debate next week

Three University of Montana students will pitch questions related to the Montana education system next week during a gubernatorial debate held on campus.
Incumbent Democrat Brian Schweitzer will wrangle with his challengers, Republican Roy Brown and Libertarian Stan Jones, in the debate at 7 p.m. on Monday evening, Sept. 15, in the University Theater. Election day is Nov. 4.
“We’re making sure the students have a voice in the debate,” said Sean Morrison, student political action director.
The Student Political Action Committee, which is part of ASUM, chose three students who will have a chance to ask a question during the debate.  Noah Harbour, Alex Thieme and Allie Harrison were all selected based on their diverse backgrounds and reputations as exemplary students, said Trevor Hunter, president of ASUM.
“They represent a good cross-section of the university,” Hunter said.

Morrison said it is unfortunate school was not in session during the planning of the debate and that the committee couldn’t involve the entire student population in the student selection process because of the debate’s timing.
“It was literally impossible given that people weren’t on campus,” he said. “It started at the political level and we picked it up as sponsors.”
It’s typical, Morrison said, for the incumbent governor to be challenged to a tour of debates. What’s not typical, he said, is for a governor with such a high approval rating to accept the challenge.
“Governor Schweitzer is looking forward to Monday night’s debate with Mr. Brown and Mr. Jones,” said Harper Lawson, Schweitzer’s campaign manager, in an e-mail. “Universities are built not only to educate but to also foster honest debate about all the issues
facing our society.”
Schweitzer had an approval rating of around 70 percent in 2006, according to a SurveyUSA poll.
In the 2004 election, Schweitzer was elected with slightly over 50 percent of the vote. Brown, who challenged Schweitzer in that election, had 46 percent.
“As we talk about the challenges we’re facing and how best to build a brighter future for our state, I look forward to many good questions and a great discussion with an audience that is equally as excited as the candidates are,” said Roy Brown, in a statement e-mailed from his communications director Alden Downing. The SPAC came up with seven questions, three of which will be selected on Friday during a meeting between the sponsors of the debate.
Morrison said some questions address college affordability plans, high school preparedness levels and plans to help students who have graduated college pay off loans while encouraging them to
stay in the state.
UM President George Dennison said in his State of the University Address that the level of high-school graduating seniors would drop 17 to 20 percent by the middle of the next decade.  He also said that the 2007 legislative session was able to freeze resident tuition as part of a college affordability plan proposed by Schweitzer, but the 2009 session may not be able to respond to such budget requests because of changing economic conditions.
“My message will appeal to young people more than the other candidates,” said Stan Jones, the Libertarian candidate for governor. “Democrats and Republicans have ignored the constitution and are destroying our nation.”
ASUM, the Missoulian and KUFM are co-sponsoring the debate.  ASUM also secured the location and bargained free admission for students. Admission will also be free for the general public.
jeff.osteen@umontana.edu