"The first, and only, live debate between candidates on the Green Party's California ballot for President of the United States - featuring a former Democratic Party member of Congress, consumer protection icon, professor and environmental engineer - is scheduled here January 13", said John Morton of the Green Presidential Debate Committee.

The diverse ballot includes former Rep. Cynthia McKinney, Ralph Nader; Cindy Sheehan will co-moderate.

"We're especially proud of the diversity and depth of political experience represented by our candidates. We look forward to a vigorous and friendly competition for the nomination," said Ruth Weill, co-chair of the Green Party's Annual National Meeting Committee.

The list of Green presidential hopefuls includes three women (two of them African American), one African American man, at least two candidates with Native American ancestry, one of Arab ancestry, a former member of Congress, two former Green presidential candidates, the former leader of the Black Panther Party, an environmental engineer, a college professor, a candidate who will turn 35 in June 2008, and a 73-year-old.

The upcoming debate will be held Sunday, January 13 at 2 p.m. at the Herbst Theater/Veterans Memorial Building, 401 Van Ness Avenue. Unfortunately, there is no indication of a live simulcast for this event.

Six-time Democratic Rep. Cynthia McKinney, longtime consumer advocate Ralph Nader - who is still an undeclared candidate, university professor Jared Ball and environmental engineer Kent Mesplay will participate in 'Campaign 2008: A Presidential Debate that Matters.'

"Peace Mom" Cindy Sheehan - a former Democrat - will co-moderate the debate, along with co-hosts San Francisco Supervisor Ross Mirkarimi, KPFA personality Aimee Allison and former President of SF Board of Supervisors Matt Gonzalez. Sheehan is running as an independent Congressional candidate against House Speaker Nancy Pelosi in San Francisco.

The event is open to the public with a suggested donation of $10-25. For more information go to http://www.acgreens.org/debate.

The debate is sponsored by the Green Party of Alameda County, the San Francisco Green Party, the Sacramento County Green Party and endorsed by the Green Party of San Mateo County.