On Tuesday, April 10 at 7 p.m. one of the biggest names in U.S. politics will be speaking in the Saint Louis Room of the Busch Memorial Center. Ralph Nader, the 2000 Green Party presidential candidate and consumer activist, will be speaking about third-party politics in the United States and current issues on the Saint Louis University campus.

The speech, sponsored by the Great Issues Committee, is free. Passes will be needed, however, to attend the private reception for Nader, following the speech. Only 100 passes will be available, and they can be picked up in the Student Life office beginning Monday at 9 a.m. There will also be a book signing between the speech and the reception.

“We have put a lot of work into this, and we are expecting a big turnout. The media have been invited,” said Tricia Fechter, head of the Great Issues Committee. Fechter said that there would be a long question and answer session after the speech. She also recommended that students arrive early, considering the public interest in Nader.

Nader organized presidential campaigns in 1992, 1996 and again in 2000 to challenge the two-party system. He has also written several best-selling books on consumer awareness, including Unsafe at any Speed, Why Women Pay More, and Getting the Best from your Doctor.

According to Fechter, Nader is a “good deal” when compared to other high-profile speakers that the committee has brought to the University. Nader has been the most expensive this year, at $15,000, but the Napster debaters, Ted Meyers and Chuck D, demanded a combined $12,500, and last year’s biggest speaker, Charlton Heston, was significantly more.

“We’re getting a consumer advocate, political figure and someone who fights for common Americans every day. We got a great deal, and the school is better for it,” added Paul Woody, committee member.