Washington University in the running as a 2008 presidential debate site

April 3, 2007 -- The Commission on Presidential Debates (CPD) announced Monday that it has received proposals from 19 potential 2008 debate sites, including Washington University in St. Louis.

The CPD will conduct site surveys during the next several months and plans to announce the final sites in October.

"Hosting a presidential debate would offer tremendous educational opportunities for our students, faculty and staff to engage in the political process and interact with the national news media," Chancellor Mark S. Wrighton said. "A presidential debate would also allow the St. Louis region to showcase our wonderful city and all that it has to offer."

Washington University was the successful host of presidential debates in 1992, 2000 and 2004. It was also selected to host a presidential debate in 1996 that eventually was canceled.

The commission is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that has sponsored all of the general election presidential and vice presidential debates since 1988.

A summary of the selection process is available on the CPD Web site at www.debates.org.