Ted Cruz, Mike Huckabee, Bobby Jindal, Rand Paul, and Rick Santorum are the first confirmed participants in the 2015 Presidential Family Forum,

FIRST FIVE CANDIDATES CONFIRM FOR PRESIDENTIAL FAMILY FORUM Unique format promises 'a family discussion' around Thanksgiving table   Urbandale, IOWA – Five of the Republican presidential candidates – Sen. Ted Cruz, former Gov. Mike Huckabee, Gov. Bobby Jindal, Sen. Rand Paul, and former Sen. Rick Santorum – are the first confirmed participants in the 2015 Presidential Family Forum, to be held at the Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center (formerly Vets Auditorium) in Des Moines on Friday, Nov. 20.   All 15 of the major Republican candidates have been invited, and additional participants will be announced as they confirm.   The Presidential Family Forum is a unique event on the political calendar – an evening where the speakers gather around a table, instead of podiums, for what is described as "a family discussion with Republican presidential candidates."   National pollster and focus group specialist Frank Luntz will direct the discussion and include input from everyday Iowans, giving attendees of the Forum a unique, interactive opportunity to gain insight into the hearts and minds of the candidates.   "Truly this is a one-of-a-kind event," says Bob Vander Plaats, president and CEO of The FAMiLY LEADER Foundation. "The Presidential Family Forum gives us a chance to see what's in the candidates' hearts, not just what's in their plans. And coming shortly before the holiday season, it may be the last, best chance to really understand what makes these leaders tick before Iowa's first-in-the-nation caucuses.   "We're thrilled to announce these five candidates will join us at our table," Vander Plaats continued. "And we look forward to announcing more guests in the coming weeks."   The last Presidential Family Forum, held in 2011, saw nearly 3,000 attendees and over 150 members of the media on hand to witness what was truly a special evening and a pivotal moment in the Iowa caucus season.   To learn more about the Presidential Family Forum, and to see a brief, 5-minute recap video of the 2011 Forum, visit http://presidentialfamilyforum.com/. The 2015 Presidential Family Forum is a ticketed event, and tickets are on sale now at http://presidentialfamilyforum.com/.