POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- The four candidates vying for Missouri's 8th Congressional District seat in the U.S. House of Representatives will appear together on stage at Three Rivers Community College. Republican incumbent Jo Ann Emerson, Democrat Tommy Sowers, Libertarian Rick Vandeven and independent Larry Bill will all participate in a candidate's debate from 7-8:30 p.m. tonight in the Tinnin Fine Arts Center.

"We are excited to host such a monumental event at TRCC," said Dr. Devin Stephenson, Three Rivers president. "Part of the future of Southeast Missouri and its success depends on the direction our political leaders take. This event will help educate the voting public on which candidate is right to help facilitate that course."

Questions prepared for the candidates cover a range of issues, but the topic of primary focus for the evening will be agriculture and agribusiness. Chris Rushin, director of the Boys & Girls Club in Poplar Bluff, will serve as moderator.

The debate is open to the public and free of charge, but tickets -- obtainable at the president's office in the Administration Building on campus -- will be required. The event will also be streamed live at www.trcc.edu/videoservices. A link will be provided on the semissourian.com home page and the semissourian.com/elections page.