Dominican University of California Invites Leading Candidates to California Governor's Debate

SAN RAFAEL, Calif., June 10 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Dominican University of California, along with NBC Universal owned-and-operated California television stations, has extended formal invitations to the leading candidates for Governor following the results of Tuesday's June 8th primary. Dominican President Joseph R. Fink extended the invitations to Republican party candidate Meg Whitman and Democratic party candidate Jerry Brown to participate in its California gubernatorial debate scheduled for October at Dominican's Angelico Hall.

"We want to congratulate Meg Whitman and Jerry Brown for winning their respective party nominations in Tuesday's primary elections," President Fink said. "We have contacted their campaign managers and we anticipate that both candidates will agree to engage in a debate on the Dominican campus before the general election in November."

In May, Dominican and the network-owned California stations agreed to air the debate live throughout the State on NBC Bay Area, KNBC Los Angeles and KNSD San Diego. Combined, the three stations reach 72% of California television viewers.

Angelico Hall, built in 1921 as a music conservatory, will serve as the venue for the debate. The debate will be a single-moderator format. Debate organizers will establish a threshold to determine which general-election candidates for governor will be able to participate in the debate.  

"On Tuesday, voters took the first step in choosing the next Governor of California,"  said Phil Alongi, Executive Producer for the debate and a veteran experienced in producing political and election news coverage. "We look forward to producing a high caliber debate on the issues facing the State and intend to give the voters of California the information they need to make their decision on Election Day."

About Dominican University of California:

Dominican University of California is an independent university located 12 miles north of the Golden Gate Bridge in Marin County, California.  Founded in 1890, Dominican enjoys a century-long reputation for excellence in scholarship, research and community outreach.  Dominican's 2,000 students come from across the United States primarily from Northern California as well 28 foreign countries.  Almost half of Dominican's undergraduate students are from ethnically diverse backgrounds, and one-quarter of its undergraduates are the first generation in their family to attend college. The University educates and prepares students to be ethical leaders and socially responsible global citizens. Dominican's athletics program recently transitioned from NAIA to NCAA Division II status in the Pacific West Conference. Dr. Joseph Fink serves as the University's President.  For more information, please visit: www.dominican.edu.  

About NBC Universal Owned-and-Operated Television Stations of California:

NBC Universal's California owned-and-operated television stations include NBC Bay Area, KNTV; KNBC in Los Angeles; and KNSD in San Diego.  The three network owned stations reach 72% of California viewers.  NBC U.S. Local Media Division comprises 10 NBC owned-and-operated television stations reaching 27% of U.S. TV households. For more information please visit: www.nbcuni.com.

SOURCE Dominican University of California