Gov. ArnoldSchwarzenegger has accepted a debate invitation from the California Broadcaster’s Association, according to a press release from his campaign team.

Sacramento State is partnering with the California Broadcaster’s Association to host a gubernatorial debate between Schwarzenegger and state Treasurer Phil Angelides.

California Broadcaster’s Association President Stan Statham said Angelides, the democratic candidate, has not committed to the debate as of Monday night.

Angelides doesn’ want to sit at the table, Statham said. He wants to stand up behind a podium.

Since the California Broadcaster’s Association is paying for the entire cost of the debate, which costs between $50,000 to $75,000, they will not negotiate with the candidates on the structure of the debate, Statham said.

It’s a take-it-or-leave-it situation, he said. The California Broadcaster’s Association is absolutely in charge.

Sac State has hosted the 2003 Recall Election Debate and the debate between former Gov. Gray Davis and Dan Lungren, the former California Attorney General, in 1998.

This is a great thing for both the university and the city, Associate Vice President of Public Affairs Frank Whitlatch said.

The university will intend to get a good number of seats for students. The exact number of seating is unknown, Whitlatch said.

People can submit questions they want the candidates to comment on via e-mail or postcard to the organization. The deadline for question submissions is noon of Friday, Oct. 6.

The set date for the one-hour debate will be 6 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 7 if Angelides agrees. The event will be broadcasted to all radio and television stations, according to a press release.

Jamie Gonzales can be reached at [email protected]