By Phillip Bailey
Richmond, KY – Several federal and state elected officials have joined in support of Eastern Kentucky University's bid to host a debate during the 2012 presidential campaign.
A package sent by university officials to the Commission on Presidential Debates includes letters of support from U.S. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, U.S. Sen. Rand Paul, Congressman Ben Chandler, state Sen. President David Williams and Kentucky House Speaker Greg Stumbo.
EKU President Doug Whitlock says the bipartisan effort illustrates broad support for the university, and the debate would give the school a national profile.
Earlier this year, a three-member delegation from the commission visited the Richmond, Ky. campus and toured several facilities that could potentially host the event.
EKU is one of 12 colleges and universities competing to host one of the four debates in 2012 election. The commission will make its selections by this coming November.