Traffic cop for the presidential debates is headquartered in Aloha

If John Kerry and George W. Bush ramble on too long at tonight's presidential debate in Miami, a tiny Aloha company will help keep them in check.

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Alzatex Inc. makes the timing system that will be used in this year's three presidential debates and single vice presidential debate. The system clocks candidates' responses and warns them with lights -- green, yellow and red -- as time for their answers expires.

"I'm not worried about Bush so much as I am Kerry," said Terry Lang, Alzatex's owner. "(Kerry) just likes to talk more."

Alzatex, which has only four employees, makes various timing systems employed at city council meetings, high school debates and similar functions. The Commission on Presidential Debates began using Alzatex's equipment for the Bush-Gore debates four years ago after spotting the company's system at a broadcasting trade show.

There's nothing fancy about Alzatex's timing system -- "Anybody could duplicate it if they wanted to," Lang said -- but it occupies a niche market few others pursue.

"I think they're pretty much of a unique company," said Larry Eastern, audio and communications director for the debate commission. He said Alzatex's equipment proved reliable four years ago and is flexible enough to meet whatever specifications the candidates require.

For example, Estrin said, Alzatex modified its equipment for this year's debates to put timing lights on the speakers' lecterns. The candidates agreed to the change so that viewers at home could see when candidates ran long.

Alzatex's timing systems typically sell for less than $1,000, according to Lang, but the custom-made equipment used at the presidential debates cost $10,000. It's a tiny fraction of the company's annual sales, which Lang said total more than $500,000, but the sale stands out nonetheless.

"It's one of many," he said, "but it's a special one."

Mike Rogoway: 503-294-7699, mikerogoway@news.oregonian.com.