UNIVERSITY MAY HOST GUBERNATORIAL DEBATE

Southeast Missouri State University hopes to host a gubernatorial debate this fall.

Both Democrat Bob Holden and Republican Jim Talent have expressed interest in debating each other at Southeast.

University President Dr. Ken Dobbins has extended an invitation to both men to participate in a debate.

Talent proposed a series of debates earlier this month. During a visit to Cape Girardeau for a fund raiser Tuesday, Holden said he is willing to debate Talent.

Holden, who is state treasurer, said he would welcome a debate at Southeast. He said his family's roots are in Shannon County.

"I am looking forward to the opportunity to compare our views," he said during an interview at the Southeast Missourian offices prior to holding a fund raiser across the street at Royal N'Orleans Restaurant.

Reached by telephone, Talent campaign spokeswoman Michelle Dimarob said the Southeast site is one of several possible debate sites around the state being considered by both candidates.

Talent suggested a number of possible debate sites earlier this month. The Holden campaign weighed in Tuesday with its own list of suggested sites.

"We laid out the ones we wanted. He laid out the ones he wanted," Dimarob said.

Southeast's debate invitation was on both candidates' list, she said.

Officials from the two campaigns are expected to meet after Labor Day to finalize debate sites.

Dimarob said any debates would likely take place between the end of September and the middle of October.

Dimarob said Southeast officials have been trying to arrange the debate for months.

Talent, she said, wants to debate Holden throughout the state, not just in the urban areas.

She said Talent would welcome a debate in Cape Girardeau. "Places like Southeast Missouri are critical to winning the governor's race," she said.

During his visit to Cape Girardeau, Holden said his well-financed campaign is rolling along. "Our polls show us ahead," he said.

He criticized Talent's highway bonding plan as "fiscally irresponsible." He said Talent's plan to restructure the state highway commission and add a secretary of transportation is the wrong approach.

"It makes it more political and adds bureaucracy," Holden said.

Holden said Missouri needs a better funded and total transportation system that includes not just highways, but rail, water and mass transit.