News Release

Rancho Santiago Community College District Hosts California-Mexico Presidential Debate on May 16 in Santa Ana

WHAT:

For the fourth time, Rancho Santiago Community College District (RSCCD) will host a debate among representatives of Mexico’s three leading political parties-- PAN, PRI and PRD. This debate offers a unique opportunity to hear how each of Mexico’s political parties proposes to lead the country forward if its candidate wins Mexico’s presidential election on July 1, 2012. A panel of local journalists will pose the questions to the party representatives to stimulate discussion. The debate will be in English.

WHERE:

Embassy Suites, 1325 Dyer Rd., Santa Ana, CA 92705

WHEN:

Wednesday, May 16, 2012 * 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.

WHO:

Mexico’s Party Representatives:

For Presidential Candidate, Josefina Vázquez Mota, National Action Party (PAN): Congressman Gastón Luken Garza

For Presidential Candidate, Enrique Peña Nieto, Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI): Dr. Arnulfo Valdivia Machuca

For Presidential Candidate, Andrés Manuel Lopez Obrador, Party of the Democratic Revolution (PRD): Enrique Collado Heredia

Panel of Journalists:
María Luisa Arredondo, Executive Director, latinocalifornia.com
Ron Gonzales, Editor/Blogger, The Orange County Register
Jorge Morales, Reporter, La Opinión

Raúl Rodríguez, Ph. D., RSCCD Chancellor and Debate Moderator

Mark McLoughlin, Vice President, RSCCD Board of Trustees

Santa Ana Mayor Pro Tem Claudia Alvarez

WHY:

What happens in economic, social and political spheres in neighboring Mexico has seismic affects in Southern California. This debate, originally scheduled in March, had to be postponed until later in the spring due to changes in Mexico’s campaign laws.

HOW:

For more information,please contact debate coordinator Enrique Perez, J.D., RSCCD assistant vice chancellor, educational services, at (714) 480-7460.

The debate’s statewide sponsor is Southwest Airlines.

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Contact: Judy Iannaccone

Phone: (714) 480-7503

e-mail: