MSNBC to telecast presidential debate at Iowa State

AMES, Iowa/SECAUCUS, N.J. - MSNBC will telecast a Republican presidential candidates debate live from Iowa State University Nov. 6, 2007, university and network officials announced today. The debate will also be streamed live on MSNBC.com.

"We're pleased to partner with Iowa State University to provide this important forum for the candidates prior to the first-in-the-nation Iowa presidential nominating caucuses," said Dan Abrams, general manager of MSNBC.

The evening debate will be held at Stephens Auditorium, a 2,700-seat performing arts theater that has hosted a number of nationally broadcast political and news programs. Details of the debate, including start time and the moderator, have not been finalized.

"This is a tremendous opportunity for our students and the people of Iowa to be involved in the presidential race, and we're glad the nation will be watching on MSNBC," said Gregory Geoffroy, president of Iowa State.

In September 2006, Geoffroy announced that Iowa State would hold Democratic and Republican debates prior to the Iowa caucuses. Iowa State continues to plan a debate for Democratic candidates, but other announced debates may affect those plans.