Basic Ground Rules for the Candidate Forum

1. There will be no substitutes or stand-ins for the candidates

2. Any news releases about the debate will be handled by the sponsoring organization(s) and sent simultaneously to all the candidates.

3. No campaign banners, signs, literature, handouts, buttons, tee shirts, or other campaign paraphernalia will be allowed in the debate hall until after the forum has concluded.

4. The audience will be asked to refrain from applauding or in other ways demonstrating support or nonsupport for a candidate.

5. There will be no audience reaction shots during the debate, although panning of the audience before and after the debate may be allowed.

6. Candidates will be introduced by full name. Thereafter, "Mr." and "Ms." will be used.

7. The candidates will remain seated at all times during the debate.

8. The candidates will not use props, but may bring notes and use a note pad and pens for taking notes during the debate.

9. Time limits on responses will be strictly observed. A timekeeper will hold cards, visible to the speaker, indicating how much time remains. When the "stop card" is shown, the speaker must end his/her speech within 10 seconds.

10. The moderator will have the responsibility for enforcing time limits. The moderator also will have the authority to interrupt the proceedings to enforce the ground rules and format that were agreed to by the candidates.

11. Questions from the audience will be submitted in writing.

12. The moderator will read the questions.

13. The moderator may restate the question.

14. The candidates will not interrupt one another.

15. No flash cameras and no motor-driven cameras will be used during the debate other than those authorized by the sponsors.

16. Photographers and the press will be placed at a reasonable distance from the candidates and microphones to reduce distractions.

17. Candidates are invited to remain after the conclusion of the forum to speak with audience members.