In a school-wide email, Oakland University President Gary Russi announced that the southeast Michigan university will host a GOP presidential debate this November 9th.
The Detroit Free-Press has the story:
About 15 people have announced their candidacy so far, including Michele Bachmann, Newt Gingrich, John Huntsman Jr., Mitt Romney, Thaddeus McCotter, Tim Pawlenty and Ron Paul. It’s not known which of these, if any, will appear at the debate, the only one scheduled so far in Michigan.
“As an institution of higher learning, Oakland University supports activities that allow American citizens to make educated decisions about the political candidates vying to represent them,” Russi said in his e-mail. “We’re pleased to host a Republican national debate as a critical part of the broader democratic process that will determine who will be elected president in the 2012 election.
“Oakland University’s reputation as one of the finest universities in the region went a long way toward us being chosen to host this important national event. We can all share a great sense of pride that our public profile has increased to the point that we are a first-choice venue to host an event that showcases our university to the entire nation.”
“As an institution of higher learning, Oakland University supports activities that allow American citizens to make educated decisions about the political candidates vying to represent them,” Russi said in his e-mail. “We’re pleased to host a Republican national debate as a critical part of the broader democratic process that will determine who will be elected president in the 2012 election.
“Oakland University’s reputation as one of the finest universities in the region went a long way toward us being chosen to host this important national event. We can all share a great sense of pride that our public profile has increased to the point that we are a first-choice venue to host an event that showcases our university to the entire nation.”
Both former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney and Rep. Thad McCotter, R-Mich., hail from Michigan originally. Oakland University lies in a congressional district neighboring the district that McCotter represents.
