(KNZA)--The classic saying "The Show Must Go On" holds true, only in this case it's referring to a student organized candidate's forum planned in the Jackson County area. At issue is the lack of attendance by a state Republican candidate, as the three county “Republican Team Debate Committee,” which recommends attendance only when a list of ten criteria is met, has not recommended attendance. 

That means no Senator Dennis Pyle although his Democratic challenger, Steve Lukert, will be there. 

Nate McAlister, Royal Valley middle school social studies teacher and one of the event organizers, says it appears the lack of recommendation mainly focuses on the organizer's failure to meet criteria number 9(Play Audio)

McAlister says, based on an email sent to organizers by Debate Committee Chairman Rick Wright, even if the federal candidates listed in the email were invited, they would not attend(Play Audio) 

McAlister personally has fallen under fire by the Debate Committee, which has claimed political bias on his part, and informed organizers they would not recommend Republican attendance if he remained in place as moderator(Play Audio)

Along with the allegations of bias, and the organizer's having not invited federal candidates,  or their surrogates,  the Debate Committee also questioned the lack of local Kansas House Representatives, including Randy Garber, represented by the committee, who is challenged by Democrat Dennis Stones in the race for the 62nd district. 

Nonetheless, organizers still plan to hold the debate, which will include the Jackson County Sheriff's race. While Democratic incumbent Tim Morse is expected to be there, Republican challenger Jim Honn will not. That's due to, according to the Holton Recorder, a scheduling conflict. He also told the paper he was aware of the Republican Team Debate Committee's recommendation, but would offer no comment on it. 

Write-in Republican Sheriff's candidate Bob McNicholas is confirmed to be in attendance during the forum. 

The forum, overseen by senior students from Jackson Heights, Holton High and Royal Valley, will be held at 7:00 Wednesday evening in the Holton High School auditorium. The public is invited to attend.