With tomorrow comes the state's first ever presidential preference election and, according to the state Republican party chairperson, Arizona's chance to be the "voice of the West."

"This is a historic event," Chairperson Dodie Londen said at Thursday night's GOP Presidential Debate at Arizona State University.

And it was a "historic night for (Arizona State University) and the state of Arizona," said Paul Allvin, Arizona Students Association Executive Director.

The preference election will be for all registered Republican voters.

The debate took place from 7 to 9 p.m. before an audience of about 2,100 including journalists, students and members of the Republican party.

The four candidates on stage were Tennessee Gov. Lamar Alexander, conservative commentator Pat Buchanan, California Congressman Bob Dornan and millionaire publisher Steve Forbes.

In the lobby of the auditorium, stuffed elephants that folded into pillows with the words "I love the Republican Party" were selling for $25 each. Paraphernalia promoting each of the candidates were also hot items.

The audience cheered and clapped throughout the debate. One of the loudest chants heard was, "Go, Pat, Go."

Barry Lewis, University of Arizona journalism and political science junior, said, "I'm pretty sure Buchanan is going to carry this state. He is strong with gun control and the Christian movement. Those two issues are important to Arizona."

Students from all three Arizona state universities and some alumni asked questions about foreign and student financial aid, social security and affirmative action.

Rhonda Wilson, UA student on the Minority Action Council, said she was pleased the candidates took time out of their schedules to hear what students had to say, but added, "I was kind of disappointed it wasn't until the end (that the subject of) education was brought up.

"I wanted more of an idea who had more of a commitment to the educational process."

Julie Rice, ASA co-director at the UA, said, "I think it was a great opportunity for students to address the candidates with student issues. I think it was a successful event - I was glad so many students could attend."

Rice said she thought the one loser in Thursday night's debate was Senate Majority Leader Bob Dole, R-Kan.

"By not showing up tonight it shows us he doesn't care about student concerns," said Michael Remedi, UA anthropology and molecular cellular biology senior.

Allvin said,"I think it was a much more informative and entertaining debate than Iowa or New Hampshire."

The questions students asked came from surveys given to hundreds of university students to get as much input as possible, he said.

"It was a learning experience. It's not the kind of stuff we can see in class," said Tara Rice, UA political science junior.