A duel of words is set to take place Friday between nationally syndicated radio personality Michael Gallagher and filmmaker Michael Moore.

Gallagher, host of the Michael Gallagher Show, a conservative talk radio show, is visiting University Park in response to Moore's visit. He has challenged Moore to a public debate on student operated radio station WKPS-FM (90.7), The Lion.

According to Joey Hudson, the executive director of Gallagher's Army, a non-profit charity organization, Moore has not returned Gallagher's messages thus far.

"We've been e-mailing him and we haven't heard anything back from him," Hudson said. "We're hoping that he'll respond positively to our challenge."

Moore could not be reached for comment yesterday.

"Mike saw some news articles about Moore bringing his tour to the Penn State campus," Hudson said. "He was concerned about the fact that Moore was charging so much money and the fact that student activity fees were being used to pay for his visit."

Moore's visit, which is sponsored by the College Democrats, will cost about $30,000, including ancillary costs -- much of which is funded by the University Park Allocation Committee (UPAC). Gallagher had planned to raise $30,000 and one penny, challenging Moore's fee, to buy care packages for American troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. According to Hudson, Gallagher already has raised more through listener donations.

"Not only is this visit about spreading the conservative message, but also about raising money for our troops through Gallagher's Army," said Pete Roy, chairman of Penn State Young Americans for Freedom (YAF), the group sponsoring Gallagher's visit.

Gallagher said he is adamant about the use of the donations, and feels this cause is much greater than Moore's.

"While Michael Moore pockets his big speaking fees and continues to criticize our troops, our donations will show the men and women serving our country that the sacrifices they make daily are still appreciated by most Americans," Gallagher said.

Gallagher will be broadcasting his daily show at 9 a.m. Friday from the Holiday Inn Express, 1925 Waddle Road.

"The general public is invited to attend and a shuttle will pick up students at the bus stop across from the library," Roy said.

Gallagher also will premiere his film Fahren-HYPE 9/11 at 9 p.m. Friday in 100 Thomas. The film was produced in response to Moore's award-winning film, Fahrenheit 9/11.

"We created this film to show some of the misconceptions of Moore's film," Hudson said.