ASHLAND, Va., Sept. 12, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Randolph-Macon College today announced that the college's Ashland campus will serve as the backdrop for a debate between principal candidates for the U.S. House of Representatives District 7 election. Participating in the October 28th debate are Randolph-Macon College faculty members David Brat and Jack Trammell, colleagues who are currently on leave while they focus on their respective campaigns.
"Randolph-Macon College has a rich history of faculty, staff and students making significant contributions to our government and our society," said Robert R. Lindgren, president of Randolph-Macon College. "The College is delighted to invite our faculty members—now House seat challengers—Dave Brat and Jack Trammell back to campus for a debate. Having two faculty members vying for the House seat has generated great excitement among our students and the wider community, and our vibrant and beautiful campus is the perfect setting for this debate."
Details about the Randolph-Macon College debate are as follows:
WHEN:
October 28, 2014 at 7:30 PM
WHERE:
Blackwell Auditorium, R-MC Center for the Performing Arts
Randolph-Macon College in Ashland, VA
The structure of the 60-minute debate will encourage substantive discussion of important issues. Following introductions from college president Robert Lindgren, each candidate will have the opportunity to make two-minute opening statements, the order determined by coin toss. Each of the candidates will then address a series of alternating questions, using their allotted time to answer and/or rebut the opposing candidate.
"Both candidates have well-earned reputations for being exceptional individuals who are committed to their students," added Lindgren. "By participating in this debate, they will not only make their positions clear to the voters, but will also provide our students with an extraordinary 'front row seat' to the electoral process and an experience that will endure."
While there are multiple candidates vying for the 7th District seat, the college determined debate participants by using criteria developed in accordance with Federal Election Commission (FEC) regulations and by following best practices established by a variety of sources including the League of Women Voters.
About Randolph-Macon College
Randolph-Macon College, located just minutes north of Richmond and 90 miles south of Washington D.C., is a selective, nationally-ranked liberal arts college with a mission of "developing the minds and character of its students." Enrollment is approximately 1,400 with a student-faculty ratio of 11:1 and an average class size of 15 students. Randolph-Macon has an outstanding reputation for its exceptional faculty, national and international internships, study abroad and undergraduate research opportunities, and unique January term program. The college offers The Edge, a four-year, personalized program aimed at helping graduates better compete for jobs and applying to graduate schools, and a Four-Year Degree Guarantee program for eligible students. Founded in 1830, Randolph-Macon is the oldest United Methodist Church-affiliated college in the nation.
About the Randolph-Macon College Debate
Randolph-Macon College ("R-MC") intends to host a candidate debate on October 28th between candidates for the U.S. House of Representatives in Virginia's 7th Congressional District.
In connection with this event, R-MC will determine eligibility for inclusion in this debate according to pre-established, objective, and nonpartisan criteria. These criteria are developed in accordance with Federal Election Commission regulations and related materials, and we have also consulted a variety of other sources in determining the most appropriate criteria, including debate preparation materials distributed by the League of Women Voters. The purpose of these criteria is to identify those candidates who (i) are legally qualified for election and (ii) have achieved a level of electoral support such that they are considered to be among the principal rivals for U.S. Representative for Virginia's 7th Congressional District.
All declared candidates for this office will receive notice of these criteria in advance of the debate. R-MC will apply the criteria below to determine candidate eligibility on September 1, 2014. All criteria must be satisfied in order for a candidate to participate in the debate. R-MC will then announce those candidates who have qualified to participate.
Candidate Debate Participation Criteria
1. Evidence of Eligibility to Serve as a Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
R-MC's first criterion requires satisfaction of the U.S. Constitution's eligibility requirements. Article I, Section 2 of the United States Constitution requires that a Representative be:
(a) at least 25 years old;
(b) a citizen of the United States for at least 7 years;
(c) an inhabitant of state in which he or she is elected, at the time of his or her election.
2. Evidence of Ballot Access
R-MC's second criterion for debate participation is that the candidate have qualified to have his or her name appear on the upcoming Special and General Election ballot.
3. Evidence of Significant Electoral Support
R-MC's third criterion requires that the candidate demonstrate a minimum level of electoral support. The following criteria must be satisfied:
(a) Campaign contributions of at least $50,000.