“NBC and the RNC both had a concern about Boca Raton because it sounded snooty, was not a real city, like holding a debate in Beverly Hills.” This was the opening line of my first blog posted in October, 2007. Well, here we are two days from the Republican Presidential debate taking place at Florida Atlantic University ("FAU") and specious criticism of our town, rightfully so, is not an issue.

FAU and Leadership Florida have acted professionally in organizing Florida's only presidential debate. While the Democratic debate does not appear to be taking place because of party politics, the Republican campaign is in full swing. With 57 delegates at stake and the possibility for a front runner to emerge, the Republican debate has became even more significant, giving Boca Raton a greater opportunity to be in the national spotlight.

It certainly helps our tourism industry to have an event in balmy South Florida when the rest of the country is in the grip of winter. It is also an opportunity to debunk some of the myths about Palm Beach County. After the 2000 election butterfly ballot fiasco, it is good for the nation to see that there are intelligent, well informed citizens in Palm Beach County and that the snotty caricature is just that, a caricature.

Rudy Giuliani, Mike Huckabee, John McCain and Mitt Romney have been crisscrossing Florida to gain votes for the January 29th primary. The FAU debate presents a chance to see all the candidates in one place. The debate should provide a forum for each of the candidates to discuss important issues on the national agenda and for Boca Raton to shine.

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