RATHDRUM - The Rathdrum Area Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring a forum for candidates who are running in the Nov. 4 election.

The forum will start at noon Thursday and lasts until 1 p.m. at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, 13541 Highway 53 in Rathdrum.

Shanie Rountree said the purpose of the forum is to give candidates an opportunity to address a wide range of issues important to Rathdrum chamber members. It is the first political forum held by the chamber.

She said the candidates do not know what the specific questions will be, but they will cover Common Core education curriculum, tax incentive programs and economic development.

The format will include a two-minute opening statement, one minute for each candidate to answer each question and a one-minute closing statement.

Gubernatorial candidates who have confirmed their attendance are John T. Bujak and the candidate who has legally changed his name to Pro-Life.

A.J. Balukoff's office said he had a conflict Thursday, and Gov. Butch Otter already had a scheduled meeting in Rathdrum on Friday.

Legislative District 2 candidate Cheryl Stransky has confirmed her attendance but her opponent, Rep. Vito Barbieri, has not.

Legislative District 3 candidates Michelle Lippert and Ron Mendive will be at the forum, Rountree said. All four county commissioner candidates - Marc Eberlein, Bruce Noble, Jerry Shriner and David Stewart - have confirmed their appearance.