IU hopes to host national debate

IU will have a better idea of whether or not a presidential debate will come to campus in 2008 Tuesday. Of the 17 venues vying to host a debate, three will be chosen for presidential debates and one will be chosen for a vice-presidential debate. In April, an executive producer from the Commission on Presidential Debates visited the University to gather preliminary information about the campus. \nOn Tuesday, more representatives will make a second trip to meet with officials, electricians, UITS and others to see if the University has the necessary facilities to host a debate. \nA member of the IU Student Association introduced the initial idea, and leaders on the executive board decided to request a bid. \nRob DeCleene, director of tourism for the Bloomington/Monroe County Convention & Visitors Bureau, worked with the students to create a package for the $7,500 application, highlighting reasons why IU should host a debate. While he said he helped the students with graphic design and putting the package together, DeCleene stressed that the students did most of the work themselves. \n“(The process was) unique because it was student-led, student-initiated,” he said. “The students were diligent in their efforts.” \nRequirements for the venue include a 17,000-square-foot debate hall, a room for the media and enough hotel rooms to accommodate people coming from out of town. IU Vice Chancellor for Auxiliary Services and Programs Bruce Jacobs said the University has the requirements covered. The IU Auditorium would be used for the actual debate, the Indiana Memorial Union would serve as the administrative site, with hotel and meeting rooms. Dunn Meadow is the perfect location for anyone wishing to stage a demonstration, and the IU School of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation has plenty of room to house a media center. \nPrevious IUSA Vice President and recent graduate Andrew Lauck became co-chair of the bid process. He said what differentiates IU from other universities is the fact that nothing extra would have to be done to accommodate everyone coming for the debate. \n“We have the facilities within a couple hundred yards of each other, where other universities have had to put up temporary tents,” he said, noting that putting up temporary structures would mean added cost. “We can almost certainly meet the demands without changing campus.” \nDeCleene said a group of graduate students is currently working on a cross-analysis of the logistics of hosting a debate. The group is especially looking into another requirement for hosting the debate – $1.3 million. \nCosts will most likely exceed that amount by $2 or $3 million, Lauck said. However, Lauck added he believes the experience for students and exposure for the campus would outweigh the cost. Jacobs agreed, highlighting an educational bonus. \n“The opportunity to be exposed to something of this importance will benefit students,” he said. \nBefore having to pay, though, Lauk pointed out that IU must first be chosen and is currently competing with universities such as Arizona State and Washington State. \n“We’re pretty confident, but there are so many factors, it’s really hard to say,” Lauck said.