Politicians from opposite ends of the political spectrum will debate health care at Southeast Missouri State University this fall.

Howard Dean, former chairman of the Democratic National Committee, and Newt Gingrich, former speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, will discuss the topic Oct. 28 at the Show Me Center, said Dex Tuttle, assistant director of campus life.

"It's a hot topic," he said. "It's something that the students are obviously interested in."

The event, which will cost $85,450, is funded by the Southeast student activity fee.

Gingrich will receive $58,450 and Dean will be paid $27,000 for the debate, Tuttle said. The expenses include travel costs.

Dean, also the former governor of Vermont, and Gingrich will express their points of view on health care for about 20 minutes each before taking questions from the audience, Tuttle said.

Each year the university uses the student activity fee to bring in speakers such as journalist Soledad O'Brien and political strategist James Carville. In October, political writer Arianna Huffington and news commentator Tucker Carlson spoke about the presidential election.

The upcoming October debate is on a bigger scale than past speaking engagements, Tuttle said.

"This is one of the most expensive events we've considered and planned," he said.

Tuttle said he surveyed student leaders from organizations across campus to gauge student interest on uses for the money.

He said graduate business students wanted Gingrich to speak about health care. Other students thought Dean would balance out the debate, he said.

"They definitely have political ties, and they're strong spokesmen for their respective parties," he said.

The agreement was finalized last week and the university has not decided whether to issue tickets for the event, Tuttle said. Past speaking events were open to the public.

abusch@semissourian.com

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