The Persian Gulf situation and national education policy will be two topics discussed as the College Republicans and the Young Democrats stage their first debate and open forum of the year at 9 p.m. tonight in the Holmes Student Center’s Capitol Room.

CR President Mark Brierton said he will reflect his party’s platform and the views of GOP presidential candidate George Bush. YD President John Morreale said he will be taking the stand of Michael Dukakis on issues, but added that the purpose of the debate isn’t to show a Bush-Dukakis debate. “What we want to do is emphasize the differences between the Republican and Democratic parties,” Morreale said.

“It’s a good idea for people to know where the Republican and Democratic parties stand on issues,” said Brierton.