News Service

10-26-07

Republican and Democratic presidential candidates to speak at ISU's Biobased Industry Outlook Conference Nov. 5

AMES, Iowa -- Presidential hopefuls John Edwards (D-NC), John McCain (R-Ariz.), Chris Dodd (D-Conn.), Joe Biden (D-Del.) and Dennis Kucinich (D-Ohio) are confirmed to participate in a forum at Iowa State University's Biobased Industry Outlook Conference in Ames on Monday evening, Nov. 5.

Unlike most other events in Iowa and across the nation, this event features candidates from both parties. The forum begins at 7:30 p.m. in Hilton Coliseum.

The event is sponsored by ISU, the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation and the Iowa State Education Association. Robert C. Brown, the Iowa Farm Bureau Director of Biorenewables Programs at Iowa State and the Bergles Professor in Thermal Science, will moderate.

Each candidate is scheduled to speak for 15 minutes, specifically addressing the bioeconomy. Candidates also will be asked to answer a few questions pertaining to agriculture, education and the bioeconomy.

Biobased Industry Outlook Conference delegates are automatically registered to attend the presidential candidate forum. All others are welcome to attend the forum and hear from the candidates; however, tickets are required.

FREE tickets are available beginning Oct. 30 at the following locations:

• Ames Convention & Visitors Bureau, 1601 Golden Aspen Drive, Ste. 110
• Scheman Building reception desk, Iowa State Center
• ISU Memorial Union hotel desk
• Political Science Department, 503 Ross Hall, ISU campus
• Iowa Farm Bureau Federation, 5400 University Ave., West Des Moines
• ISEA, 777 Third St., Des Moines

For questions about the presidential candidate forum, call University Relations at (515) 294-7958.

For more information about the 2007 Biobased Industry Outlook Conference, "Growing the Bioeconomy: Science and Policy for Next Generation Biorefining," and to register online, visit http://www.bioeconomyconference.org or call University Conference Services at (515) 294-6222.

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Note: Edwards withdraws

At 4 p.m. Nov. 5, John Edwards' staff reported he was running behind schedule and would not be able to attend the forum.