The event, which is being co-hosted by Furman University and the South Carolina Young Democrats, will begin at 7 p.m. at the Peace Center for the Performing Arts.  The debate will be moderated by "NBC Nightly News" anchor Tom Brokaw and aired live on MSNBC and South Carolina NBC affiliates.  All nine Democratic candidates are expected to attend.

      According to South Carolina Democratic Party Chair Joe Erwin, the nearly 2,000 debate tickets will be divided between the South Carolina Young Democrats, Furman University, the campaigns of each of the nine Presidential campaigns and the South Carolina Democratic Party.  NBC will receive a small number of tickets for their affiliates and staff.

      The State Democratic Party and the Young Democrats want to ensure that the audience inside the Peace Center is made up of South Carolina Democrats from across the state by offering tickets to Democratic leaders in each of South Carolina's 46 counties, leaders and chief volunteers for the Party's Presidential Primary operation, and the South Carolina Democratic Party's Committee of 100.

      "Demand for debate tickets has already exceeded our limited supply," said Erwin. "Our first priority had to be those Democrats who work so hard in every county across this State to put on elections and stand up for core Democratic values, and those who are working so hard to ensure the success of the February 3rd Presidential Primary. We also wanted to make sure through our partnership with the Young Democrats and Furman University that the young people of this State get to see history in the making and the critical importance of our First-In-The South Primary and Presidential Debate. And last but not least, we wanted to make sure the South Carolinians who are working so hard for individual campaigns here in the state got seats in the hall to see what all their hard work has achieved."

      Erwin noted that since interest in this locally and nationally televised debate is running so high, his staff and volunteer committee have planned a series of debate watching parties so Democrats can gather together and support the Democratic process and their candidate.

      "I have encouraged every Presidential campaign to stop by and visit local debate watching parties once they are finished at the Peace Center and in the media rooms at the Westin Poinsett Hotel Thursday night, and to send over their most exciting campaign surrogates to watch the debate with real South Carolina voters. We are working overtime to make sure everyone gets to see these great candidates in action and live on the big screen."

      Debate watching parties are currently scheduled by Greenville community groups for January 29.  Details will be posted online at http://www.southcarolinadebate.com (events link). Since parties are being arranged by local groups, entrance fees may be charged to cover expenses. Tickets to the Presidential debate are free.

      For more information, call 864-241-5405 or visit the web at www.southcarolinadebate.com.

DEBATE WATCHING PARTIES

January 29, 2004

6pm - 9pm

Allen Temple AME Church

Community Development Center

109 Greene Avenue, downtown Greenville

Soft drink & popcorn concessions, big screens

Ticket information online at www.southcarolinadebate.com after January 1

January 29, 2004

6pm - 11pm

Coliseum Ristorante

West End Market, downtown Greenville

Hors' d'oeuvres, cash bar, big screens, band following debate

Ticket information online at www.southcarolinadebate.com after January 1

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