Frequently Asked Questions

Who is involved in the Indiana Debate Commission?

The initial group involves both media and citizen groups hosted by the Indiana Coalition for Open Government, a statewide nonprofit that organized in 1995. ICOG was instrumental in the creation of the Public Access Counselor’s office and continues to be the only statewide membership group dedicated exclusively to access issues. ICOG is also a participating member and affiliated with OpenTheGovernment.org, in Washington, D.C., and the National Freedom of Informational Coalition, based in Columbia, Missouri.

Who else has been involved in the planning and creation of the Commission?

Elected officials or proxies appointed by these groups were all at the planning table starting with meetings in February 2007. Each was instrumental in bringing ideas to the creation of the Commission and how it should operate.

• Indiana Coalition for Open Government

• Indiana Broadcasters Association

• Indiana Public Broadcasting Stations

• Society of Professional Journalists, Indiana chapter

• Common Cause/Indiana

• League of Women Voters Indiana

• Indiana Associated Press Managing Editors

• Indianapolis Association of Black Journalists

• Hoosier State Press Association

• Marion County Alliance of Neighborhood Associations

• Indy Univision

• Radio-Television News Directors Association

• Indiana Associated Press Broadcasters Association

Why were these groups invited to the table?

We started with statewide associations or membership groups that represent media and/or citizens or those that have been involved in hosting candidate forums or debates. Some of the groups also are long-time affiliates of ICOG and similarly interested in access issues. Based on past attempts to form a debate group, we collectively decided that membership groups would be better than asking individual media outlets – largely due to the competitive nature of the news business.

Has any other state formed a formal debate commission?

We’ve not been able to find a similar organization organized formally on a state level; however, SPJ chapters across the country have organized comparable informal groups in the past for gubernatorial debates only.

Does Indiana have a a history of debate?

Political debates in Indiana began in the 19th century. More information is available in the Tradition of Candidate Debates in Indiana section of our About Us page.

Why is Indiana formalizing a commission?

There has been agreement since the beginning that a formal organization is necessary for structure, fundraising, accountability and to deliver a message to political candidates that we’re serious about providing a formal structure for organized debates in Indiana. Candidates and political organizers have also expressed interest in past years for a similar non-partisan structure. The goal is the same: to provide the largest audience, format and structure for candidates seeking elected office in Indiana.

How will the group form?

We are incorporating in Indiana and also are seeking 501(c)(3) status with the Internal Revenue Service. As a 501(c)(3) recognized by the IRS, we will also be able to seek grant support, donations and in-kind contributions.

Is the commission limited in terms of scope?

In 2008, our target is the gubernatorial election.

Is the debate commission open to other groups joining?

We’re open to adding new affiliates, but the groups have to be non-partisan and involved in civic and governmental issues as these groups represent. Once incorporated, the group will have an open call for officers among the participating membership groups. The board of directors will be no larger than 25 individuals.

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We wish to acknowledge the support of the following companies that have contributed their services to the Indiana Debate Commission: