By Ben Warton

Dark horse gubernatorial candidate Debra Medina recently canceled her ACU speaking engagement to take a better offer – Medina was invited to participate in the Belo Debate, an hour-long debate between the three Republican candidates.

The debate, which includes Governor Rick Perry and Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison will broadcast on KTXS Friday. Aaron Escobedo, president of the Young Republicans, said many groups will meet to watch the debate.

The debate was originally scheduled to include only Hutchison and Perry, but Medina was added because of her jump to 12 percent in the Rassmussen poll, according to a statement by WFAA general manager Mike Devlin.

Escobedo, junior history education major from Lamesa, said the Young Republicans still plan to have Medina speak here in the upcoming months.

“If we can’t get her before the election, I still want her to come speak,” Escobedo said. “She has a lot to say about politics, and I think people would really benefit from hearing her.”

With the primaries approaching, the ACU Political Alliance is offering early voter registration for students. With the possibility of a new governor, Escobedo said he believes it is essential for students to participate in the election.

“With all that has been going on lately, this is a very important election,” Escobedo said. “We really need students to come out and let the youth’s voice be heard because we can have a strong impact on the outcome.”

Kendall McQueary, junior information technology major from Brownwood, agrees with Escobedo and wants to see more student involvement.

“A lot of college students don’t really pay much attention to the elections,” McQueary said. “The people we are voting for are dealing with issues that are very important to our lives, and if we vote we can decide who makes these decisions.”

Along with the Republican primary elections, the Democratic party will elect its candidate the same day. The list of Democratic candidates include Farouk Shami, Bill White, Felix Alvarado, Alma Aguado, Bill Dear, Clement E. Glenn and Star Locke.