The War in Iraq will likely be the top issue in the next presidential election. But closely tied to the Middle East is energy.

"It impacts every consumer, every citizen in this country. More importantly, it's a concern as a voter. We need to hear from our potential presidential candidates,” said Tracye McDaniel of the Greater Houston Partnership.

As it turns out, Houston will get to hear from the candidates on Nov. 13 at the George R. Brown Convention Center.

The top four candidates from each party will take part in an energy summit and it'll be televised nationally.

Plus, some of the 3,500 seats will be open to the public.

The event is more of a dialogue than a debate. Each candidate will get 15 minutes to come out by themselves at the convention center and explain what kind of energy policy they would pursue if elected president.

The next president will face energy issues like increasing demand for oil and a decreasing supply.

Plus, whether to require carmakers to increase mileage requirements. Not to mention the growing investment in alternative fuels.

"Well the politicians do need to be concerned about energy prices and energy policy because we need reasonable prices to keep the economy growing,” said Energy expert Andrew Lipow.

It was 1980 that was last time any presidential candidates debated in Houston.

That year pitted Republicans George Bush against Ronald Reagan on a variety of issues.

Organizers hope a dialogue this time, rather than a debate, will give Houstonians and the nation a better idea of the country's energy future.