A series of public forums with each major party candidate for governor will begin next week at the University of Minnesota.

The Center for the Study of Politics and Governance is sponsoring the sessions, which will be held separately with each candidate.

"The forums create an opportunity for the candidates to rise above the talking points and fractious back-and-forth of the campaign to address the important policy challenges facing Minnesota and the country," said the Center.

The events are free and open to the public.

Former Sen. Mark Dayton, the DFL candidate for governor, is scheduled to appear at noon next Monday. Rep. Tom Emmer, the GOP candidate, is scheduled for 1 p.m. Wednesday, and Independence Party candidate Tom Horner for Monday, Sept. 20. The sessions will last 60 to 75 minutes, depending on the availability of the candidate.

The sessions will be held in Cowles Auditorium at the Hubert H. Humphrey Center,
301 19th Ave S., Minneapolis