Utah Debate Commission Chooses SUU For Attorney General Election Debate

Southern Utah University’s Micheal O. Leavitt Center for Politics and Public Service has been chosen by the Utah Debate Commission (UDC) to host the general election debate for Utah’s Attorney General on October 1, 2024. Scheduled for 6 p.m. in the Church Auditorium on campus, the debate will be open to the public, although specifics regarding ticketing and reservations are yet to be determined.

Established in 2013, the UDC stands as a leading independent platform for debates in Utah, ranking among only four similar organizations nationwide. It operates as a consortium of higher education institutions, media entities, and community figures.

Mary Weaver Bennett, chair of the UDC University Committee and director of the Leavitt Center, expressed enthusiasm about partnering with students to orchestrate debates across Utah’s universities. Bennett highlighted the Commission's vital mission of fostering citizen education and lifelong civic engagement through direct engagement with students and community leaders.

The event promises to raise awareness about pressing issues in southern Utah and statewide. Candidates for Utah Attorney General will take the stage, with participation extended to all who meet the UDC's threshold of 10 percent support in a UDC-conducted poll.

Broadcast live on local network affiliates and webcast on the UDC's website, the debate will follow a format with one moderator and qualifying candidates adhering to UDC rules.

Students at SUU will engage in various aspects of live broadcast production, gaining firsthand experience in stage setup, audiovisual elements, candidate management, and audience coordination. Community members are encouraged to attend and actively participate in the political discourse.

The Michael O. Leavitt Center, established in 1996 by Craig Jones, a political science professor at SUU, serves as an inclusive platform for students regardless of political affiliation. Founded on principles of leadership, citizenship, research, and service, the Leavitt Center endeavors to cultivate an environment conducive to political discourse and civic engagement.