Preparations began this week on campus for the last of three scheduled debates between Republican candidates for Ohio U.S. Senate, which will take place at the Center for the Performing Arts on March 6.
Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose, Ohio Sen. Matt Dolan (R-Chagrin Falls) and entrepreneur Bernie Moreno are scheduled to appear in person at the 385-seat theater on South Patterson Avenue at 7 p.m.
“There is quite a bit at stake for the candidates on this one precisely because it’s the last one,” said John Forren, executive director of the Menard Family Center for Democracy, which is hosting the debate. “This is really the last opportunity that each candidate will have to differentiate himself from another.”
Sponsors of the debate include the Ohio Republican Party and the event’s broadcasting partner, Hearst Broadcasting.
According to a Miami University press release, the debate will be televised on WLWT News 5 and moderated by WLWT news anchor Sheree Paolello. Access to the debate can also be found on WLWT.com and the WLWT and Very Local apps.
The debate will be the sixth televised and hosted by the Menard Center in partnership with Hearst Broadcasting. Forren said it has become a campus-wide effort with help coming from the College of Creative Arts, several academic departments and university communication.
Forren said there will be a significant security presence, with the Miami University Police Department overseeing the event alongside other law enforcement agencies.
“We don’t anticipate any security concerns, but it’s a live broadcast, high profile race and part of the preparation process,” Forren said.
Alecia Lipton, associate director of media relations for Miami University, said in an email that MUPD is expecting no planned interruptions to traffic or parking.
Forren said the event is intended to bring political discussion to campus and inform voters about the issues and choices they face in the election. Joe Statzer, the executive director of the Butler County Republican Party, echoed the same sentiment and said politics start at the local level.
“When there is an exchange of ideas at a debate right at your back door, it’s a great opportunity for people to go see the candidates,” Statzer said over the phone.
“Anytime we have an opportunity to highlight or spotlight civil discussion about public issues, about politics, and civic affairs in general, research shows that it increases the likelihood that our students will become civically engaged,” Forren said.
A ticket is required to attend the debate in-person. Those with tickets are asked to arrive by 6:30 p.m. The university said in its press release that a limited number of tickets are available by emailing [email protected].
