Chamber event is free, sort of

We'll clarify this in print as best we can, but for your information, there's no admission charge for the Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce debate Sept. 27 between 1st District Rep. Tim Walz and Republican challenger Allen Quist.

That is, if you're among the first 10 people to contact Walz or Quist, according to the chamber.

The event, which is sponsored by Rochester Public Utilities, with the P-B, KTTC and Minnesota Public Radio listed as partners, will be at 11:30 a.m. at Somerby Golf Community in Byron. News releases have said the cost is $25 for chamber members, $35 for nonmembers, which includes lunch.

The question always comes up, when the chamber organizes candidate forums of this kind, why should the public have to pay to attend? There are few encounters between congressional candidates where Joe Citizen can attend, ask questions and get answers. Shouldn't the chamber just skip the lunch and host a debate?

The chamber's response is, each campaign gets 10 tickets to give away at no cost to whoever. So, if Walz and Quist haven't already distributed their tickets, you can call them. Walz's Rochester office is at 206-0643, and I can't find a phone number for Quist but his website is www.quistforcongress.com and you can send him an email there.

Better call fast.

The P-B and other media are looking at options for livestreaming, taping the debate and otherwise making it available to a wider audience.