Most of the people reading this have seen one or more of the presidential debates, watched candidates give speeches or interviews on television and the Internet or read about their views in the local newspaper or online columns.

Often times it's more interesting to hear why supporters have taken the step to put their names on the line to back one candidate over another. Because ultimately it will be individual Americans, not the politicians, who will be the most important factor in this presidential election.

The King County Young Republicans are hosting a presidential forum with representatives from the six major GOP campaigns who'll discuss their support for the candidates and take questions from the audience.

On hand will be long-time John McCain backer Chris Fidler; KVI radio host Kirby Wilbur, Fred Thompson '08; Maureen Moore, Washington State Coordinator - Ron Paul '08; Danille Turissini, Grassroots Coordinator Washington for Huckabee; former Bothell City Council candidate Apollo Fuhriman for Mitt Romney; and a special guest speaking on behalf of Rudy Giuliani.

The event is Thursday, January 10 at 7 p.m. in the North Bellevue Community Center. 4063 148th Ave. NE.

Yours truly will act as the forum moderator. I promise there won't be any raise-your-hands-if-you-agree-with-this-statement questions...

This is a big event and an important one. With how this race is shaping up the Washington Precinct Caucuses on Feb. 9 and Feb. 19 Presidential Primary could be an important factors in determining the outcome.

Hopefully this forum will act as a catalyst for similar affairs where people who are backers of one candidate, who are independent or still on the fence can come together and have a meaningful face-to-face dialogue in order to discuss their differing - and similar - beliefs.