Organizers expect crowd for gubernatorial debate Tuesday

Tickets are going fast for a debate at Auburn University on Tuesday between the seven people vying to be candidates in the race for the next governor of Alabama.

The event, which begins at 7 p.m. in the AU Student Center ballroom, is expected to include Republicans Robert Bentley, Bradley Byrne, Kay Ivey, Tim James and Bill Johnson, and Democrats Artur Davis and Ron Sparks. Jeremy Campbell, a reporter with ABC 33/40 in Birmingham, will moderate the discussion.

Wendi Routhier, president of the Opelika Chamber of Commerce, said her office may run out of complimentary tickets before Tuesday. But they may still be found at the League of Women Voters of East Alabama and Auburn Chamber of Commerce. The three organizations are sponsoring the gubernatorial forum, hosted by AU’s Center for Government Services.

“This is a great opportunity for students, staff and the community at large to get to know the gubernatorial candidates and to understand where each candidate stands on important state issues,” said Auburn Chamber president Lolly Steiner.

Both Routhier and Steiner said it’s part of each office’s mission or goal to provide its members with opportunities like this. They said members of the business community need to be informed on local and state issues as they could potentially impact the business environment.

Routhier said Opelika has coordinated three similar forums in the past six years.

“It is important for individuals to see who their candidates for governor are, as the upcoming election will impact our state for at least the next four years,” she added.

People who attend the debate are encouraged to park in the lot between Jordan-Hare Stadium and the Petrie Annex, or in the stadium parking deck.

If You Go
What: 2010 Alabama Gubernatorial Debate

WHEN: 7 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 3

WHERE: AU Student Center Ballroom on the Auburn University campus

TICKET INFORMATION: Complimentary tickets available while supplies last from the Auburn and Opelika chambers of commerce and the League of Women Voters of East Alabama

PARKING: Attendees are encouraged to park in the lot between Jordan-Hare Stadium and the Petrie Annex, or in the stadium parking deck.