Beginning Monday, the University of Minnesota will host a series of forums featuring the stateâÄôs three main gubernatorial candidates.
The forums, sponsored by the Center for the Study of Politics and Governance, are an attempt to delve past political talking points and discuss each candidateâÄôs specific policy proposals.
TheyâÄôre meant as an alternative to divisive debates and often-negative political advertisements, said Larry Jacobs, the centerâÄôs director.
âÄúYou learn something about who these people are and what they believe in,âÄù he said. âÄúThe debates and the ads are a mud fight, and this is a conversation.âÄù
Each candidate will be allowed some opening remarks and then Jacobs, the moderator, will ask questions. The audience will also be able to submit questions.
Typically, the event draws in roughly 100 people, Jacobs said, although Gov. Tim Pawlenty and U.S. Sen. Al Franken attracted more. Jacobs started the forums about four election cycles ago.
DFL nominee Mark Dayton  will kick off the forums on Monday. Republican Tom Emmer is set to appear Wednesday and Tom Horner, the Independence party candidate, is scheduled for next Monday.
âÄúIf the 30-second sound bite  frustrates you, weâÄôve got an alternative,âÄù Jacobs said.