September 19, 2003

Recall debate puts campus in spotlight

Latest media information

Plans are still underway for CSUS to host the statewide gubernatorial recall candidate debate on campus Wednesday, Sept. 24.

A recent court ruling has thrown the Oct. 7 election date into limbo and a final decision is pending. Should the election date be moved to March, it is likely that the recall debate on campus would be moved to the spring as well. However, until such a determination is final, plans to hold the event this week continue.

At this time, the five top candidates, including Cruz Bustamante and Arnold Schwarzenegger, are scheduled to meet face-to-face for a live televised debate in the University Union.
The day’s events will begin with a series of briefings for students and the media provided by faculty members beginning at 2 p.m. in Library 11. The topics will be:

• Recall 101: A briefing from 2 to 2:45 p.m. that will include the origins, history and context of recalls in California; basics of voting, ballots and vote counts; the status of current legal challenges and possible future ones; and the mechanics of gubernatorial transition if the recall succeeds.
  
• Winners and Losers 101: A roundtable from 2:45 to 3:15 p.m. on what each candidate needs to accomplish to “win” the debate; the impact of previous debates on elections; and what to watch for in the debate.
  
• Debate Questions 101: A briefing from 3:15 to 3:45 p.m. on the subjects of the debate questions, including the basics of each issue, and what to look for in candidate answers.

The workshops are scheduled in sections, so individuals may choose among the sessions.

For the debate, viewing areas will be provided throughout the Union, in the Riverfront Center and in some prescheduled classrooms on campus. All campus televisions will be able to receive the live debate through the campus closed circuit system on channels 7 and 11.

Students and faculty can also join the government department for a debate viewing session at 6 p.m. in Mariposa 1000, followed by post-debate analysis and open discussion. For more information, call government professor Kimberly Nalder at 278-6693.

The televised broadcast begins at 6 p.m. and will be carried on various local stations. However, those attending the debate will need to clear security and be seated before 5:30 p.m. Tickets to the debate have been distributed and are non-transferable. The tickets were divided among the California Broadcasters Association, the campaigns and the University. Most of the University’s tickets were distributed to students.

Because of the stature of the event, there will be a high level of security on campus that day. Those attending will have to provide a photo ID and ticket for entrance to the University Ballroom, where the main event will be held. The area surrounding the Ballroom will be closed to the public, but the building will remain open.

In the nearby Redwood Room more than 150 media representatives from around the world are expected. Many will be producing live shots during the day from Serna Plaza. Parking lot 6 will be dedicated to media and satellite trucks all day Wednesday.

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