The Federal Election Commission faces a challenge from news organizations over a rule that would require the use of objective criteria -- other than membership in a major political party -- in deciding what candidates to invite to political debates. While the media needs the freedom to use its news judgment, it's also important that candidates from alternative parties not be shut out of public debates, which are one of the most important elements of a democratic election process.

In the past, we've seen candidates like Ross Perot -- who had won a large percentage of the vote four years earlier -- excluded from presidential debates. We have seen Ralph Nader, who at the time was polling higher than 5 percent, shut out of the debates in 2000.

Yes, news organizations deserve the right to make their own decisions. But when the debates they arrange are one of the only ways a large portion of the population learns about political candidates, they have a responsibility to paint a complete picture of the candidates voters can choose from.

What would have happened in 1998 if Gov. Jesse Ventura had not been included in gubernatorial debates? He could have run all the witty ads in the world, but chances are he would not have won the election. Some Minnesotans would have preferred it that way, but it's beside the point.

The case illustrates that inclusion in debates is a key for "third-party" candidates to have a chance for victory.