Congressional, legislative candidates to debate at West campus


As voters prepare to cast their ballots in the Nov. 2 general election, two student organizations on Arizona State University’s West campus have joined forces to stage a debate among candidates for office in Arizona’s Congressional District 2 and Legislative District 10.

The debate, which is free and open to the public, is scheduled to take place from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Oct. 25, in the La Sala Ballroom of the University Center Building. ASU’s West campus is at 4701 W. Thunderbird Road in Phoenix. Sponsoring organizations are the College Republicans and the Young Democrats at the West campus.

“This election provides important choices for Arizona voters, and students on ASU’s West campus are pleased to give the campus community and local citizens an opportunity to hear directly from the candidates in our neighboring districts,” said Leonard Montez, Supreme Court chief justice for Undergraduate Student Government on the West campus.

Candidates from Arizona’s Second U.S. Congressional District who are scheduled to participate in the debate include Trent Franks, Powell Gamill and John Thrasher.

In the race for seats in the Arizona House of Representatives for District 10, candidates Aaron Jahneke, Jackie Thrasher, Jim Weiers and Kim Yee are scheduled to attend. In the District 10 Senate race, the debate is expected to include candidates Linda Gray and Justin Johnson.

The timing of the debate coincides with an ASU Homecoming event on the West campus. Sparky’s Spooky Haunted House/Carnival takes place from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., Oct. 25, on the Fletcher Library Lawn. The carnival features a laser tag maze, slingshot trampoline, haunted house and more.

“We are encouraging people who attend the debate to go outside afterward and participate in the carnival to support other activities happening on campus,” Montez said.

For more information about the debate, contact Montez at leonard.montez@asu.edu or (602) 459-3832.