State Green Party Press Release

Greens Host Historic Presidential Debate in Providence, Rhode Island.

Jan 23, 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 7PM at the Synod Hall at 271 N Main St in Providence.

"What an excellent opportunity for voters to see the clear and defining differences from so called 'progressive democrats,' as well as see the much needed 'Green component' that pulls political discussion left-of-center in electoral politics," said Jeff Toste, Co-chair of the GPRI.

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 political debates are missing discussion on issues that are truly 'mainstream issues'. At this event voters will hear the many missing 'truly mainstream issues', as well as the 'nuance' of debate between two candidates who seek to address excessive militarism, who are equally strong on environment protection, and who are both outspoken on social justice issues. True leaders willing to discuss details of issues that very rarely see the light of day in US debates."

"This is a truly historic moment for the Green Party of Rhode Island," noted Green party Elections Committee member Larry Kern of Westerly. "David Cobb and Kent Mesplay, RI's first Green Presidential primary contenders, to give Greens and independents voting in the Green Primary the opportunity to evaluate truly 'populist' candidates face to face."

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.