Presidential candidates flocking to Texas for forum

At least half a dozen Republicans hoping to be the next president — most with Texas ties — have agreed to participate in an October presidential forum in Plano.

Those already on board for the Prestonwood Baptist Church event: retired neurosurgeon Ben Carson, business executive Carly Fiorina, former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas, former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee and former U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum.

Prestonwood is teaming up with the Family and Freedom Coalition to host the Oct. 18 forum at the 40,000-member church — an event geared toward informing voters about the candidates.

The tickets are free but are all taken.

Pastor Jack Graham invites each candidate to speak for 10 minutes and then have a 10-minute discussion with him “about the importance of faith in public life.”

“It is critical that we take seriously our rights as citizens of this great country by educating ourselves on all candidates in any election, and to participate fully in the election process by voting our values,” Graham said in a statement. “We cannot afford to stand on the sidelines as our Christian values are continually trampled.

“This forum is a great opportunity to hear from many of the candidates seeking to lead our country.”

Most of those who signed up have Texas ties: Fiorina was born in Austin; Bush was born in Midland, grew up in Houston and attended the University of Texas; Huckabee studied at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth a few decades ago; Cruz is the junior senator from Texas; and Santorum spends a fair amount of time in North Texas because of business interests here.

Timothy Head, executive director of the Faith and Freedom Coalition, said the forum plays an important role in the presidential race.

“Christians and faithful Catholics are increasingly concerned about perceived hostility toward faith in America. Leading voices of faith are taking a clear stand for the fundamental American principle that no one of any faith should be compelled by government to violate their conscience or deeply held faith,” he said.

“The North Texas Presidential Forum will be an excellent opportunity for prospective leaders to convince thousands of faith-filled Americans that they too will stand unflinchingly for the fundamental rights of faith and freedom.”

Other Republican candidates, including front-runner Donald Trump, have been invited, as have Democrats Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders.

The Texas primaries are March 1.

This story was originally published September 30, 2015 at 4:07 PM with the headline "Presidential candidates flocking to Texas for forum."