The six candidates for Madison’s mayor are set to face off in front of a University of Wisconsin student crowd on campus tonight for the first time.

The College Democrats are sponsoring a mayoral forum at 6:30 p.m. in 2650 Humanities. The dynamics between the candidates have become increasingly heated recently, something the candidates have not failed to notice.

“I have noticed an up-tick in the tension between Paul (Soglin) and Sue (Bauman),” said candidate Dave Cieslewicz. “The campaigns are still very civil, but it’s the last week, and everybody tends to get more wired.”

Soglin and Bauman have repeatedly clashed during debates over issues including high property values, mandatory inclusion zoning and the corporation Epic Systems’ decision to construct headquarters outside Madison.

Soglin denied singling out Bauman to attack during the race.

“When I tell about what I would do differently, obviously I think I would do a better job,” Soglin said.

Bauman has defended her decision to reject Epic Systems headquarters in Madison, saying the property was too large for Madison’s landscape.

Soglin said he would have compromised with Epic to keep it in Madison, but his stance on the issue does not represent a clash between him and Bauman.

Other mayoral candidates said they have noticed conflict between the two candidates.

UW graduate student and candidate Davy Mayer said there were tense times caused by Bauman and Soglin during a radio show Monday night. He said their conflict is caused because they both have experience running the city.

“It’s because of their history; they are two incumbents against each other,” Mayer said.

After 10 consecutive years as mayor, Soglin left his mayoral office in the middle of his term to run an unsuccessful campaign for U.S. representative in 1997. Bauman replaced him and has been mayor since his departure.

Her other challengers are Equal Opportunities Commission head Bert Zipperer and retired chemist Will Sandstrom.

The candidates will each have 10 minutes to explain their platform to UW students, with the option of opening up their time to questions from the audience.

College Democrat Brian Jenks said the student organization pulled the forum together in the past two weeks, and all six candidates have accepted the invitation. He said he is anticipating the candidates’ approaches to student problems like affordable housing.

College Republican Matt Pulda said he is not a fan of any of the current candidates.

“I’ll wait and see who comes through the primaries,” Pulda said.

Mayer said he plans to use his time on the stage to let students know that he is one of them.

“I am closest to their concerns, because they are my own,” Mayer said.

Soglin said he intends to inform students of his plans regarding housing, State Street and alcohol. He said he hopes the forum will draw a large crowd.

“I hope they show up and know that what happens in Madison has a considerable impact on them,” Soglin said.

Jenks said the forum would be sure to draw at least 50 College Democrat members but was unsure about public attendance because of the last-minute announcement of the forum.