Photo: Joey Gale

The national presidential race will come to Drake University’s Olmsted Center on Thursday at 10 a.m.

Republican presidential candidate Michele Bachmann will speak about jobs and the economy, and then she plans to take questions from students. Bachmann will speak on Pomerantz Stage.

The event is free and open to the public and should wrap up in time for students to leave for their 11 a.m. classes.

“Drake students have unique opportunities few college students around the country have,” Rachel Paine Caufield, associate professor of politics, said. “That’s the duty you have as a student — to contribute to a vibrant political dialogue on campus.”

If that doesn’t get students interested, they can come support a fellow Drake student at work for the campaign.

Sophomore Alex Latcham, a politics and history major, just began work for Bachmann’s campaign in Iowa and planned Thursday’s event. From arranging her transportation to campus to measuring the number of chairs that can feasibly fit on Pomerantz Stage, he organized it all.

“It’s all in the details,” Latcham said. “Everything has to come together, and things that you really don’t think would matter are of immense importance. Regardless of your views on congresswoman Bachmann, I think it’s still a valuable experience to see a candidate visit.”

He also said that the event would serve as a preview for the ABC News GOP presidential debate that will come to campus on Dec. 10.