NBC News journalist and author Tom Brokaw will serve as moderator for the state governor's debate between Republican candidate Meg Whitman and Democrat Jerry Brown at Dominican University of California on Oct. 12.
The hourlong debate will air live from Angelico Hall at 6:30 p.m. on the California NBC Local Media stations including NBC Bay Area, KNBC Los Angeles, KNSD San Diego, on NBC affiliates KCRA in Sacramento and KSBW in Salinas-Monterey, and will be offered to other California NBC stations. Brokaw, who was the anchor and managing editor of NBC Nightly News from 1982 to 2004, is currently a special correspondent for NBC News.
"This election comes at a critical time for the citizens of California, and as the campaign unfolds over the next few months, the country will be watching to see who will become the next governor," Brokaw said. "I am particularly excited about participating in this debate because I began my NBC News career covering California politics in 1966."
Dominican President Joseph Fink said the university is pleased that both candidates accepted the invitation and that Brokaw will pose the questions to the contenders.
"The fact that a journalist of Tom's stature is involved in the debate reflects the impact that California has on issues facing our country from health care to economic recovery," Fink said. "As a university known for social responsibility, Dominican is well-positioned to offer a thoughtful platform for the candidates to present their views."
Phil Alongi, executive producer of the debate, said the race to the statehouse is one of the most highly watched electoral contests in the nation.
"NBC is providing this evening statewide broadcast of the debate as part of its continuing news commitment to informing the voters of California," Alongi said.
Dominican spokesman David Albee said students, faculty, community leaders and residents will be invited to the debate. Tickets will be free.
Some attendees will be included by invitation and others may be asked to participate in a lottery to fairly award seats to the largest number possible of those interested in attending. Simultcast rights are being discussed, Albee said.
Angelico Hall is at 50 Acacia Ave. on the Dominican campus.
The candidates have also agreed to confront each other on Sept. 28 an the U.C. Davis campus and on Oct. 2 at California State University in Fresno.
