Election season is a time for debates, and Ball State has delivered with three debates in eight days.
The next scheduled debate is today between 6th congressional candidates Luke Messer and Brad Bookout today at 7 p.m. in Pruis Hall.
Phil Bremen, an assistant professor of telecommunications, will moderate 7 p.m. event in Pruis Hall. Charles Taylor, an assistant professor of political science, and Ray Scheele, co-director of the Bowen Center for Public Affairs will be panelists.
Taylor said they will ask questions on a broad range of issues, including domestic policy, taxes and social problems.
According to Bookout's website, the theme for his campaign is jobs and careers. The Democrat said he hopes to produce products in the 6th district that will not be affected by "cheap imports."
According to Messer's website, the Republican wants to create more jobs for his district and provide tax incentives for small businesses.
"There is no question that the communities in Indiana's 6th Congressional District are facing economic hardships not seen in a very long time," Messer's website says.
John Huston, treasurer of College Republicans and field representative for Messer's campaign, said he hopes everyone becomes politically active.
"I think being involved in politics is vital to us as students because these issues matter," Huston said. "They really do affect us and our future."
Messer, according to his website, wants to make sure more federal dollars go to the classroom with "less red tape."
Bookout's website says he wants more tools in education that will provide communication between the student and the teacher and more tutoring opportunities.
"The ordinary classroom is just the core, just the foundation, just the minimum education," his website says. "A large portion of the student's education must come beyond that setting."
Taylor said this debate is important because of the powers that a member of Congress holds.
"Whoever's elected is going to be in Congress and making decisions that are going to affect them," Taylor said. "I think it's important for them to participate. In order for them to do that effectively, they need to be informed about the candidates."
Drew Farrington, University Democrats president, said he is looking forward to the debate.
"I hope to see a very stark contrast between the issues Luke Messer and Brad Bookout bring to the table," he said. "I think what they can offer are very different viewpoints on what this country needs to move forward and what congressional leadership can really do for us."
Although Huston is from a different political party than Farrington, both students said they hope there is a big turnout for the debate in order to better educate students and Muncie residents.
"College students in particular aren't necessarily well versed in politics," Farrington said. "These [debates] are opportunities that can educate students, so that way they can go to the polls in November with an informed decision."
Huston said politics has been important to him from a young age.
"My family's always been politically active. They told me from the beginning, 'These issues do matter,'" Huston said. "If you choose not to be involved in that, you aren't part of your own future."
Read More
Over 3,000 Cardinals join the Ball State family of alumni following commencement
By Ella Howell / 5 hours agoThe Quad filled with approximately 3,000 graduating Cardinals and their loved ones the morning of May 4 in preparation for the 198th Ball State University Commencement.
Board of Trustees approves new Ball State Athletics Performance Center during May meeting
By Olivia Ground / YesterdayThe Board of Trustees met May 3, revealing plans for an upcoming renovation of the College of Architecture and Planning (CAP) building, plans for an upcoming sports performance training center, changes in the university core curriculum and many hiring and human resources developments being made in the upcoming months.
