Two political events on campus will take place simultaneously at 7:30 tonight.

Bill Cahir, who is seeking a win in the Democratic primary nomination for the 5th Congressional District, will speak to students in 160 Willard before a question-and-answer session.

"Reaching out to college voters is obviously important," said Daren Berringer, who works for Cahir's campaign.

At the same time, there will be debate between College Republicans, College Democrats and College Libertarians in 100 Life Sciences.

College Democrats spokeswoman Samantha Miller said Cahir coming to campus will help raise awareness of congressional elections.

"[The event is] an opportunity for students to come and speak to this congressional candidate," she said.

Penn State Students for Barack Obama President Mike Stewart shares Miller's sentiment.

"We think it's important that students not only vote in the presidential election, but also in the local election," he said.

Cahir's visit is being hosted by the College Democrats, Penn State Students for Hillary and Penn State Students for Barack Obama.

Steve Lucas, of Penn State Students for Hillary, said he was pleased with the set of co-hosts of the event.

"I think it's good we can all come together for certain events," he said.

Stewart has the same view on the two rival organizations coming together during this divisive primary season.

He said that as Democrats, the two organizations share the same values.

The student debate is being billed in a press release from the Political Science Association as a "much less formal, no-holds-barred debate between the College Republicans, Libertarians and Democrats."

According to the press release, topics for debate include the Federal Reserve, Bear Stearns, the U.S. embargo of Cuba, boycotting the Olympics and U.S. energy dependency.

"I look forward to a spirited debate between the organizations," College Libertarians President Alex Weller said. He added that he hopes the debate will be a "productive exchange of ideas."