VALDOSTA — The Valdosta Branch of the American Association of University Women will host a political forum from 5:30-7 p.m. Tuesday at the James H. Rainwater Conference Center just off of Norman Drive.

Candidates appearing on Nov. 4 general election ballots in every race from President of the United States to U.S. Senate and Representative to Public Service Commissioner to Lowndes County Sheriff, Coroner, County Commission Chairman and Board of Education to Board of Assessors and Lake Park City Council are invited to participate, said Christine James, member of the host organization and associate professor of Philosophy and Religious Studies at Valdosta State University.

The political forum will be presented in two parts.

“First, candidates will stand at tables around the large meeting room at the conference center answering questions and having free-form conversation with their constituents,” James said. “Second, there will be a scheduled microphone time during which each candidate can make a three-minute speech.”

Dr. Sharon Gravett, assistant vice president for Academic Affairs at Valdosta State Affairs and longtime member of the American Association of University Women, will moderate the microphone time.

James said that the Valdosta Branch of the American Association of University Women organized the political forum with assistance from Myrna Ballard of the Valdosta-Lowndes County Chamber of Commerce, Julie Greenhaw of the Lowndes County Republican Party, and Dennis Marks of the Lowndes County Democratic Party.

The American Association of University Women is a 100,000-member organization with 1,300-plus branches nationwide that advocates for education and equity. Founded in 1881, it is the oldest and largest national organization working for the advancement of women.

• Inside Sunday's edition of “The Valdosta Daily Times,” readers will find a 16-page special section containing information on candidates running in contested races appearing on ballots for the Nov. 4 general election.

-------------------------------------------------------------------

Candidates who have accepted the invitation to participate in the forum are:

• Saxby Chambliss