Cumberland, USA TODAY NETWORK to host debate
Cumberland University, along with the USA TODAY NETWORK - Tennessee, Nashville Public Television and the League of Women Voters of Tennessee will host a statewide U.S. Senate debate in September, the groups announced Thursday.
The debate, between the Republican and Democratic nominees, is set for Sept. 25 on Cumberland’s historic campus in Lebanon, Tenn.
“Cumberland University is the perfect setting for this debate. Our university has a special place in Tennessee political history, and this race will help shape the future of our country,” Cumberland University President Paul Stumb said.
“It is an important time for public engagement in the political process, and we are proud to help Tennesseans learn more about their choices at the ballot box this November.”
More than 30 past governors and U.S. senators having held degrees from the school.
The race to succeed U.S. Sen. Bob Corker, R-Tenn., is generating national attention. U.S. Rep. Marsha Blackburn, R-Brentwood, and former Democratic Gov. Phil Bredesen each face nominal opposition in their respective party primaries on Aug. 2.
Polls have shown a close contest between the two ahead of a potential match up in the November general election.
“The election to fill Tennessee’s open U.S. Senate seat has national implications, and Tennesseans need the best information available about the candidates and their positions on the issues that affect our country the most,” said Michael A. Anastasi, vice president of news for the USA TODAY NETWORK – Tennessee.
“The USA TODAY NETWORK - Tennessee is committed to constantly improving the public dialogue during our election process, and our participation in this debate is part of that service.”
Nashville Public Television CEO and President Kevin Crane said public television plays a “vital role in Tennessee.”
“Broadcasting this important event over public airwaves accessible to every Tennessean is in line with our core mission at NPT,” Crane said.
Tennessee League of Women Voters President Marian Ott stressed the importance of public engagement in the election process, adding this debate would help Tennessean’s make their choice at the polls in November.
“In this age of social media and digital communications, events like this senatorial debate where voters hear directly from the candidates are increasingly important,” Ott said.
The debate will be broadcast statewide on public television as well as live streamed by all six sites that make up the USA TODAY NETWORK - Tennes- see, including on The Tennessean, the Knoxville News Sentinel and The Commercial Appeal in Memphis.
The USA TODAY NETWORK - Tennessee, also has partnered with Rhodes College and WMC-TV in Memphis to host a Sept. 13 televised U.S. Senate debate.
“At Rhodes, we encourage lively, respectful discussion in the classroom and around campus and we are known for the expertise of our faculty and the intellectual engagement of our students,” Rhodes President Marjorie Hass said. “It seems fitting for us to serve as the venue for this United States Senate debate. We hope it will provide students, along with voters in our community, and throughout Tennessee, with the opportunity to hear directly from the candidates.”
“The League, as a nonpartisan organization, has worked since the 1920s to see greater involvement and informed engagement by citizens in the American electoral process. In this age of social media and digital communications, events like this senatorial debate where voters hear directly from the candidates are increasingly important. The League is lending its full resources to the effort.,” Ott said.
Stones River Group, a full service public affairs firm in Nashville, is producing the debate on behalf of the partners.
The debate will be between the two major party nominees for Tennessee’s open U.S. Senate seat. All qualified candidates on the ballot from both parties have been invited.
About Cumberland University
Cumberland University in Lebanon, Tenn., has one of the longest, richest histories of any higher education institution in the state. Founded in 1842, the University flourishes today with exceptional faculty and fully-accredited academic programs steeped in the liberal arts.
With a student body of just over 2,300 and over 500 students living on campus, our unique residential living and learning experience allows students to find their sense of belonging. Athletics also are a strength of Cumberland University.