The science advocacy group Concerned Scientists at IU is hosting a public forum for candidates of Indiana’s 9th Congressional District on Tuesday, April 14.
The public forum, hosted at Monroe County Public Library’s downtown branch, will focus on the candidates’ positions on science-related and public policy issues ahead of the primary election on Tuesday, May 5.
“We hope this event will provide a national model for calling on candidates for public office to address their attitudes toward the role of research and scientific evidence, and the consequences of ignoring it in formulating public policy,” Emeritus Physics Professor Steve Vigdor said in a press release.
Where is the candidate forum being hosted?
The forum is being hosted in the main auditorium of MCPL’s downtown branch, 303 E. Kirkwood Ave. The forum will run from 5:15 to 6:45 p.m.
Which candidates from the 9th District will be attending?
All but two of the seven active candidates for Indiana’s 9th District will be attending the forum. The confirmed participants are Jim Graham (D), Brad Meyer (D), Tim Peck (D), Keli Roark (D), and Floyd Taylor (I). Incumbent Representative Erin Houchin (R) was unable to participate on April 14. Tonya Hudson (L) will also not be in attendance.
What is the format of the candidate forum?
Candidates at the forum will answer questions directly from the audience, as well as written answers to questions provided in advance of the forum. Questions will focus on the candidates’ positions on public policy and science-related issues.
What does the 9th District Representative do?
Indiana’s 9th district covers much of the southeastern corner of the state, encompassing cities like Bloomington, Bedford, Seymour, Jeffersonville, Salem, Brookville and North Vernon. The 9th District Representative is one of nine elected officials representing Indiana in the U.S. House of Representatives, the lower chamber of Congress. The House of Representatives is responsible for initiating all revenue bills and has the sole power to impeach federal officials.
Representatives serve two year terms and do not have term limits. Houchin assumed office in 2023 and is currently running for her third term.
Reach Brian Rosenzweig at brian@heraldt.com. Follow him on X/Twitter at @brianwritesnews.
This article originally appeared on The Herald-Times: Candidates for Bloomington’s US House seat to speak at public forum
Reporting by Brian Rosenzweig, The Herald-Times / The Herald-Times
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