State Green Party Press Release

Historic Green Presidential Debate in Providence.

Jan 15, 2004

Contact:
Greg Gerritt - Secretary, GPRI (401) 331-0529
Jeff Toste - Co-Chair, GPRI - (401) 751-5596

(Providence) The Green party of RI (GPRI) today announced its historic Green Presidential debate. The GPRI will be hosting a live Green Presidential Candidates debate to benefit Rhode Island's first Green Party Presidential Primary ballot. The debate will take place on Wednesday evening Jan 28 at the Synod Hall at 271 N Main St in Providence.

"With two candidates on the ballot, David Cobb, and Kent Mesplay, we thought it essential to give all Greens and independents voting in the Green Primary the opportunity to evaluate the two candidates face to face," noted Green party Elections Committee member Larry Kern of Westerly.

The debate will be the first in a series of such debates across the Northeastern United States between Cobb and Mesplay, with a Massachusetts debate set for Jan 29 and weekend appearances in Ohio and Pennsylvania.

Green Party Secretary Greg Gerritt commented, "So often candidate debates are missing discussion on issues that are truly 'mainstream issues'. This is an opportunity to hear the nuance of debate between two candidates who both support and end to excessive militarism, who are equally strong on environment protection, and both have a strong platform on social justice issues. This will be an interesting opportunity for anyone interested in justice, the environment and peace to hear candidates who are true leaders willing to discuss details of issues that very rarely get into candidate debates in the US."

"This is an excellent opportunity for voters to see the clear and defining differences from so called 'progressive democrats,' as well as the much needed, truly populist and necessary "Green component" in electoral politics." Said Jeff Toste, Co-chair of the GPRI.

The public is encouraged to attend and will have the opportunity to directly question the candidates. For additional GPRI information, please go to our web-site (www.greens.org/ri) or call the Green party at 401-490-7602.

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