The one-and-a-half-hour debate will take place at 7 p.m. Oct. 23 in UMBC’s University Center Ballroom, according to event coordinator Roy T. Meyers.
Students will directly address the surrogates in the debate.
“The typical student in the U.S. is only exposed to campaigns through TV, so this gives them a chance to see the issues in person,” said Meyers, a UMBC political science professor. No television coverage has been confirmed, but Meyers said it was a possibility. Representatives of Green Party candidate Ralph Nadar and Reform Party candidate Patrick Buchanan were not invited, Meyers said.
Cardin is serving his seventh term in Congress and is a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, which decides tax and fee issues and helps determine uses for this year’s projected $232 billion budget surplus. Cardin is also active on issues including Social Security and Medicare, health care and education.
Cardin said he has not confirmed the date because of a previous engagement, but will either appear at both events or find a replacement to represent Gore.
“We are looking forward to it,” he said. “We’d like to do it.”
Ehrlich, who served eight years in the General Assembly, is in his third term in Congress and has been mentioned as a possible Republican candidate for governor. He is a member of the House Commerce Committee and the House deputy majority whip. Ehrlich is known as being tough on foreign policy and pro-business.
“We have significant differences on the issues, but nonetheless a mutual respect for each other,” said Ehrlich.
The two congressmen have squared off before in various settings, including on television.
In addition to tonight’s nationally televised debate, the presidential candidates will meet again Oct. 17.
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