Hamline University played host to the Fox 9 News gubernatorial debate on Saturday, October 9. The event featured the three leading candidates for governor—Representative Tom Emmer (R), Tom Horner (I), and Senator Mark Dayton (DFL).

Students made up more than one third of the 160-person audience.  Other attendees included VIP guests from each of the three campaigns, FOX 9, and Hamline, as well as faculty and staff. President Linda Hanson welcomed the audience and thanked FOX 9 for bringing this event to Hamline University.

The members of the media panel for the debate were Bill Salisbury of the Pioneer Press, Rachel Stassen-Berger of the Star Tribune, and Jeff Goldberg, FOX 9’s political reporter. FOX 9 anchor Jeff Passolt moderated the event, and co-anchor Marni Hughes introduced students who asked questions.

Hamline senior Tescia Veldhouse asked the candidates about higher education affordability. Click here to see an excerpt of that segment. Hamline junior Rick Dornfeld asked whether the candidates felt they had any common ground with each other. Click here to see an excerpt of that segment.

During the hour-long debate, the candidates also addressed questions on a variety of topics such as Minnesota’s budget deficit, bullying, gay rights, and their personal challenges.

Students say they were excited to attend the debate and were surprised by some of what they heard. After the event, many students had the opportunity to speak to at least one of candidates at length and to shake hands with others as they departed.

For complete coverage of the debate, watch excerpts here.