---

University hosts gubernatorial candidates in debate

---

An estimated 60 media representatives from across the state of California filled a media room, and an audience of about 350 crowded the university's John Wright Theatre for the gubernatorial debate between Lt. Gov. Gray Davis and Attorney General Dan Lungren on Tuesday, Aug. 18.

A village of satellite and microwave trucks near the Speech Arts Building and a contingent of University Police were testimony to extensive preparations for the debate, which was made available live by satellite to television and radio stations throughout the state from 7 to 8 p.m. that evening.

The exchange of views was the second in a series of five planned debates for Lungren and Davis, with the remaining three sites expected to be in Los Angeles, the Bay Area and Sacramento.

The Fresno debate was sponsored by Fresno State, KFSN-TV (Channel 30), The Fresno Bee, the Western Growers Association, and the Fresno City and County Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Some 90 guests represented a cross-section of Fresno State boards, committees, faculty groups and academic schools, institutes and councils, as well as the Office of the CSU Chancellor. Another 70 guests included the candidates' staffs and families. The rest of the audience were government officials and guests of the other sponsors.

The debate format was predetermined by the campaigns, but university offices were heavily involved in the coordination of the event. They included the Office of the President, Office of University Relations, University Food Services, the Academic Innovation Center, Instructional Technology Services, Theatre Arts, Plant Operations and University Police and Parking.