Sept. 13, 2006 -- The Student Government Association of Arkansas State University in Jonesboro will sponsor the first of three televised gubernatorial debates on Monday, Sept. 18, on the ASU campus.

The one-hour debate will begin at 7 p.m. in Riceland Hall of Fowler Center. KAIT-TV, the ABC affiliate in Jonesboro, will produce and air the telecast.  KAIT will stream the debate live on KAIT8.com beginning at 7 p.m., then broadcast it on Channel 8 at 9 p.m.  KASU, the public broadcasting service of ASU, will carry it live on 91.9 FM.

Diana Davis, news anchor for KAIT-TV, will serve as moderator. Following opening statements from each candidate, she will ask a series of questions to which each candidate may respond, followed by an opportunity for rebuttal. Each candidate will be allowed a two-minute closing statement.

There is no admission fee, but a ticket is required.

Approximately two-thirds of the reserved seat tickets will be allocated equally between the two campaign organizations, with the balance given to ASU students and faculty on a first-come, first-served basis. Students and faculty with a valid ASU ID may pick up tickets starting Thursday, Sept. 14, at 1 p.m. at Campus Information in the Student Union.

Members of the audience will not be allowed to carry campaign paraphernalia into the hall. Other than working news media, recordings and photography will not be permitted.

The campaigns have provided web site addresses for more information about their respective platforms. They are:

Fowler Center is on the east side of the campus; easiest access is from Highway 49 (Stadium Blvd.)