Oklahoma State University, in partnership with OETA and the League of Women Voters of Oklahoma, will be the host site for a state gubernatorial debate between Republican incumbent Mary Fallin and Democratic challenger Joe Dorman on Tuesday, Oct. 2 at 7 p.m., as part of the OSU Debate Series: Decision 2014 andOETA’s Oklahoma Votes 2014 statewide election coverage.
The one-hour debate will be held at the OSU Student Union Theater in Stillwater. Both Fallin and Dorman are graduates of Oklahoma State University.
OETA will air the debate live across the state and stream online at www.oeta.tv, with viewers encouraged to join the conversation on their social media platforms by using the hashtag #okvotes14.
A panel of Oklahoma journalists, including OETA managing editor Dick Pryor, will ask the candidates questions, plus there will be questions from OSU students. Dr. Brandon Lenoir, a visiting OSU assistant professor in political science, will moderate the debate and OSU students will help facilitate the event. The debate also will be streamed live at www.ostate.tv.
OSU President Burns Hargis said the university is pleased to team with OETA and the League of Women Voters to host the debate. “OSU is proud to welcome back two alums running for the state’s highest office,” Hargis said. “The debate provides our students and the residents of Oklahoma a wonderful opportunity to hear each candidate’s vision for the state.”
“I’m looking forward to an opportunity to share my positive vision for Oklahoma with a statewide audience,” said Gov. Fallin. “My thanks go out to OSU, OETA and the League of Women Voters for organizing an event that will allow Oklahomans to compare and contrast their candidates for governor. It will be a spirited and fun event.”
Dorman said, “I look forward to returning to Stillwater for the gubernatorial debate sponsored by OETA, OSU and the League of Women Voters. I appreciate every opportunity to visit my alma mater and I am very pleased for this to serve as the first debate on the issues and policies facing Oklahomans. I firmly believe in the importance of civic engagement and dialogue in the election process. This will serve as the perfect avenue for Oklahoma voters to learn the differences in the candidates through a civil, spirited discussion. I am grateful for the hard work and efforts by OSU, OETA and the League of Women Voters to make this happen.”
There is no charge to attend the debate, however seating is limited and on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Both candidates will be available to the press following the debate.
Media inquiries about the event should be directed to Carrie Hulsey-Greene, Oklahoma State University, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , 405.744.9081
