Date:

April 7, 2006

For More Information Contact:

Diane Gonzolas, Citizen Information Center, 441-7831

Sharon Nemeth, League of Women Voters, 472-2333, 489-3571

The public is invited to a series of forums and debates Tuesday, April 18 featuring candidates on the ballot for the May 9 primary election. The event is from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. at Saint Paul United Methodist Church, 1144 “M” Street. The City’s government access cable channel, 5 CITY-TV, will tape all forums and debates for airing until election day. Invited participants are:

• All candidates for Legislative Districts #26, #28, #30 and #46;
• Republican candidates for U.S. Senate, Governor and State Treasurer; and
• Democratic candidates for the U.S. First Congressional District, Governor and Secretary of State.

The attached schedule lists the candidates who have agreed to be present in the order in which they will deliver their opening statements. Unopposed candidates in the primary election and the three candidates seeking the at-large seat on the Lower Platte South Natural Resources District have been invited to attend and meet voters, but they will not be debating.

Sponsors are the League of Women Voters of Lincoln-Lancaster County; Saint Paul United Methodist Church; the Lincoln-Lancaster Women’s Commission; the Lincoln Area Agency on Aging; the North 27th Business and Civic Association; and the NAACP. Volunteers from the sponsoring organizations will serve as moderators and timers.

The events will be held in the Bevins Family Life Center on the church’s main floor. If entering the church through the west doors, use the elevator (“M” button). If entering the church through the south door, go up the interior stairs and walk away from the sanctuary. Parking is available across 11th Street or in the parking garage one block south of the church. Free space may be available on the street or in the garage under the church (enter from 11th Street).

Audience members are asked to not wear or otherwise display items indicating support of specific candidates while in the forum/debate area. Candidates will have campaign materials available for display and distribution on one side of the Bevins Family Life Center. Food and non-alcoholic drinks are permitted, and church members also will have beverages available for purchase.

Funding for the 5 CITY-TV production is being provided by the League of Women Voters of Lincoln-Lancaster County Education Fund and the League of Women Voters of Nebraska Education Fund. For a schedule of air times, see the City Web site at lincoln.ne.gov and click on the 5 CITY-TV logo. The forums and debates also will be available through video-on-demand through the Web site.