Last night, Oct.25th, my opponent (Jessica Peterson) and I participated in a debate at 
Carleton College.
I enjoy the “give and take” of the debate format. It turned out to be the best candidate event that I’ve been involved in this year.
Most of the students attending were Democrats (although about 5 or 6 brave students raised their hands and admitted that they were Republican or conservative). Jessica was a Carleton graduate and therefore, I suppose, was the sentimental favorite to do well at the debate. The students were very respectful, and the questions were excellent. Being able to rebut is especially important in a candidate debate, and is the best way to discover the thought process of the candidate.
My goal was to help the students understand how conservatives arrive at their positions. I also wanted to convey to them that I am accessible, and reasonable as a legislator. I don’t know that I changed any votes among the students, but I do hope that our debate will allow them to look at Republicans and Conservatives differently and be more open other viewpoints.