Oklahoma State University, in partnership with the League of Women Voters of Oklahoma, will host a U.S. Senate debate between Connie Johnson (D) and James Lankford (R) on Tuesday, Oct. 7 at 7 p.m., as part of the OSU Debate Series: Decision 2014.    

 The one-hour debate will be held inside the OSU Student Union Theater in Stillwater.  

Dr. Brandon Lenoir, OSU visiting professor of political science, will moderate the debate and OSU students will help facilitate the event.  The debate will stream live at www.ostate.tv.  

In addition to this U.S. Senate debate, OSU is hosting the only scheduled state gubernatorial debate on Thursday, Oct. 2 and a state superintendent debate at the OSU-Tulsa campus on Tuesday, Oct. 28.  

“These debates give our students and the broader OSU community an opportunity to engage in the political process,” Lenoir said.  “Not only will those who watch the debates be more informed, they will also have a higher probability of turning out to vote. It’s a win-win.”

The U.S. Senate debate is scheduled to last one hour and will include moderated questions as well as selected questions from OSU students.

“Not only are the debates providing a wonderful community service, they also serve as a teaching opportunity for my students,” Lenoir said.  “By hosting these debates we are hopefully generating interest in the 2014 elections that will translate into a lifetime of political engagement.”

The debate is free of charge and open to the public, however seating is limited and on a first-come, first-serve basis.